Booked & Scene

The Counter, written by Meghan Kennedy and directed by Alex Lonati unfolds over a series of quiet, early mornings in a small-town diner. With only three characters, two regulars and one brief visitor, the play explores what happens when routine meets revelation. Across 75 minutes, daily chats over coffee slowly reveal bigger questions about friendship, loneliness, and the kind of connection that can only happen face-to-face.

Coffee Talk Comes to Life

Margaret Clark as Katie grounds the piece with her quick wit and easy charm. As the diner waitress, she keeps the place moving, juggling the mundane and the meaningful all before the breakfast rush. Her humor and sarcasm come naturally, but it’s in her quieter, more tender moments where she really shines. Watching her face shift in reaction to Paul’s words says more than any line could. “ranney” as Paul brings a soft intensity to his role. A man haunted by insomnia and a secret, he navigates it all with a surprising sense of humor that works. His rapport with Clark feels natural and not forced and their back-and-forth earn some big  laughs. His advice to Katie and their growing friendship show that connection doesn’t require grand gestures, sometimes it’s just the willingness and acknowledgement that someone is there to listen. Maureen Keiler as Peg enters briefly but makes an impression. Her chemistry with “ranney” is strong, though her character’s motivation feels muddled. It’s less about performance and more about the writing in the script, as her entrance adds complexity but doesn’t feel necessary based on what we learn about her character and it won’t change Paul’s arc.

The Daily Grind, Done Right

Julia Wonkka’s set and props make the diner feel authentic down to the sugar packets. Real pastries, coffee cups, and working salt shakers give texture to the world. Alex Lonati’s direction allows Katie to move naturally through the space, turning a single counter into a full world.

A special nod to the Umbrella Arts Center for their digital playbill and accompanying materials. The added questions about the play’s themes, suggested readings, and details about their Kidcare performance option show a rare level of thoughtfulness. It’s a reminder that their commitment to accessibility and audience engagement runs deeper than the stage.

Bitter Grounds

Some of the transitions between mornings lingered too long, creating stretches that lost momentum. The lack of costume changes made it harder to fully believe and stay immersed, and while it fits Katie’s job, it felt strange for Paul to never change as the days and weeks pass. The sound design, filled with the hum of a bustling diner, sometimes clashed with the play’s more introspective tone. And while the themes resonate, a few lines felt unnatural… like they were written to move the plot forward rather than to sound like how people actually speak.

Final Sip

At its heart, The Counter is about what it means to show up: for yourself and for someone else. It’s a story about secrets, friendship, and how even a passing moment of connection can change everything. With two people who might otherwise never share more than small talk, this play reminds us that sometimes the easiest place to find community is right across the counter. The Counter runs at The Umbrella Stage Company through November 9, 2025. 

📸: Jim Sabitus