The Umbrella Announces 2024/25 Theater Season Marked by Themes of Community and Connection
June 10, 2024 by Stewart Ikeda
The Umbrella Arts Center is thrilled to announce its 2024/25 theater season featuring an eclectic lineup of thought-provoking and emotionally resonant productions. From the riveting to the heartwarming, each show promises to captivate audiences with compelling storytelling and poses timely questions to consider.
Kicking off the season September 20 - November 3 in the Main Stage Theater 144 is the acclaimed stage adaptation of Network, Paddy Chayefsky's iconic exploration of media madness and the blurring lines between truth and entertainment. Set in the fast-paced world of television journalism, "Network" remains hauntingly relevant today -- nearly 50 years following its original release, a parable about power and the perils of the modern media landscape.
Alternating throughout the fall in The Umbrella’s Black Box, October 4 - November 10, is the energetic Now. Here. This. The intimate musical from the creative minds behind "[title of show]" celebrates the beauty of life's simple moments and the power of human connection. With toe-tapping tunes and poignant storytelling, audiences are invited to embrace the present moment in a cabaret-style production and find joy in the everyday.
Continuing the season February 28 - March 23 in the Black Box is Where We Belong by Madeline Sayet. Following its acclaimed tour, developed in partnership with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in association with The Folger Shakespeare Library, with performances at Seattle Rep, Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, New York’s Public Theater, and more, The Umbrella is proud to present the play’s New England Premiere in a new production. A groundbreaking play that explores themes of identity and importance of honoring our roots, Where We Belong amplifies one indigenous woman’s story and challenges audiences to confront their own preconceptions and biases.
Rounding out the season April 25 - May 18 in the Main Stage Theater 144 is the heartwarming musical The Spitfire Grill, based on the beloved film that took the Audience Award at The Sundance Film Festival and newly revised for 2024. The musical’s rich score is marked by Americana folk rhythms, soaring melodies, and irresistible charm. It reminds us all about the resilience of the human spirit, the magic of new beginnings, and the power of community.
Director of Performing Arts Brian Boruta observes, “Against the backdrop of a year in which Concord will be marking the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution, themes of identity, community, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world resonate deeply. Each show explores the human condition with unflinching honesty, inviting audiences to reflect on their own lives and values and how we connect to one another.”
In addition to its Stage Company productions, The Umbrella will be expanding its concert series in 2024/25 with the addition of two events, fall and spring dates TBA, featuring up and coming popular music artists; four performances of the popular Holiday Pops concert in partnership with Firebird Pops Orchestra December 13-15; and the third installment of its exciting Broadway Concert series, date TBA.
Seasons subscriptions go on sale Thursday May 23 at 10AM!
Shows run Thursdays at 7:30pm, Friday-Saturday at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM. The Umbrella is ADA accessible and a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council's EBT Card-to-Culture program. It offers free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. It is easily accessible by Route 2 and is roughly three blocks from a Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line stop.
Read the full Season Media Release
