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“The Minutes” @ The Umbrella

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photo credit: Jim Sabitus

“Intensely compelling…one of the best shows this season. [I]ngeniously staged by Edmiston…THE MINUTES is an allegorical masterpiece by Letts and one which would have probably made Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling proud…or jealous that he did not write it himself.” – Kevin T. Baldwin, METRMAG

The Umbrella Arts Center is proud to present the Greater Boston premiere of The Minutes by award-winning playwright Tracy Letts (August: Osage County), called one of the most thrilling on Broadway in recent years. Nominated as Best New Play by the Tony Awards and Outer Critics Circle in 2022, and for the Pulitzer Prize in drama, The Minutes is part biting comedy, part Hitchcockian mystery, and at its dark heart an unflinching allegory about small-town politics and real-world power.

This new production is helmed by Scott Edmiston, three-time Norton-winning director, hailed as “one of Boston’s finest directors” by the Boston Globe, who calls Letts’ play “completely original and outrageous…both funny and dark, located somewhere between The Office and The Twilight Zone. It’s brilliant in the way that it uses comedy to dramatize some serious issues facing our country today. It takes a hard look at the growing movement to deny or rewrite some of the unpleasant truths about America’s past. What are some of the myths about ourselves and our nation that we find hard to admit — and why?”

LIVING CONCORD SPECIAL

  • Thursday, March 14, 2024 Performance Only – Use this Living Concord Link to save 10% on tickets with special code “LIV01742”. This performance will also feature a special post-show talkback with members of the Concord DEI and Concord 250 committees discussing local topics surrounding historical interpretation and how it relates to themes in the play.

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS

  • Sunday, March 10, 2024 3:00PM – Kid-Care Performance* – The Umbrella is pleased to offer a Kid-Care Show Program, giving parents and caregivers an opportunity to attend select performances while their child(ren) engage in art activities inspired by the production. This program aims to provide better access to arts and culture events and create a shared experience opportunity for families. Spaces are limited and can be reserved alongside ticket purchases.
  • #DinnerAndAShow Thursday Night Out Packages! Thursdays in Concord are now a fun and easy entertainment Date Night thanks to optional pre-show dinners here at The Umbrella provided by Nosh restaurant and the Concord Market! Coming straight from work? Park free at The Umbrella, then take a load off and enjoy a delicious catered dinner, pick up beverage at concessions, and explore our free art galleries at your ease until it’s time for curtain! Details on our chef-planned menus for The Minutes coming soon!

 

Halloween Happenings – Treats for Everyone!

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10/25: Pumpkin Planters Craft Night

10/26: Halloween Fair at Concord COA

10/26: Trick or Treat on Thoreau Street, a Concord Chamber of Commerce event

 

10/28: Sleepy Hollow 5K

10/28: Concord Family Network Halloween Party 

This month:

Boo! Lawn Sign Campaign – For Pediatric & Adolescent Care at Emerson Health

10/28, 29: Sleepy Hollow-een Tour

10/29: Trunk or Treat

10/29: Family Halloween Party at Barefoot Books, Concord Festival of Authors!

10/29: Concord Museum: Family Halloween Celebration

Until 11/5: Lizzie, The Musical & Axe Throwing!

Coming to see Lizzie? Grab your friends (or your foes) and see who gets the axe! Join us for an pre-show axe throwing experience, brought to you by Revolution Axe Throwing. A limited number of timed, 15-minute slots are available as a ticket add-on while purchasing tickets here.

Thursday, October 26, 2023 5:00PM-7:00PM

Saturday, October 28, 2023 5:30PM-7:30PM

Sunday, October 29, 2023 4:00PM-6:00PM

 

Family Friendly Add On:

Sunday, October 22, 2023, 3PM: Special  Lizzie Kid(S)care Performance! Caretakers can catch the matinee of our thrilling rock musical while the little one(s) create Halloween-themed crafts and have snacks with one of our Umbrella Arts instructors! Limited slots available as ticket add-on, first-come first-served.

 

 

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Mark Your Calendars for May 20: Spring into West Concord Festival

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West Concord is holding its fourth annual Spring into West Concord festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20. This family-friendly event features sidewalk activities, the immensely popular Green Thumbs plant sale, a scavenger hunt, a raffle, and cake and ice cream! Plus, the much-anticipated Bruce Freeman Rail Trail mural will be unveiled as part of the festival.

 

Over 30 shops and cultural organizations will be holding sales and activities outdoors and indoors. It’s a fun way to check out the wide variety of enterprises that give West Concord its zip.

 

Do you like scavenger hunts? How about a Village-sized one? Beginning May 13, start hunting for 20 three-foot-high flowers, designed and crafted at Art for All. You can pick up a Flower Scavenger Hunt Game Sheet at most stores in the Village. Complete the sheet, matching each flower with the business it is displayed in, and drop it off at the Fowler Library to be entered in the raffle for over 25 great prizes from local retailers and cultural organizations.

 

Make sure to be near Nashoba Brook, behind 40 Beharrell Street at 3 p.m.! An amazing 24-foot-long pictorial map of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, painted by over 30 local artists, will be unveiled. Using a blend of paintings, and descriptors, the mural highlights the trail’s landmarks, towns, history, plants and animals. Three speakers, including Massachusetts State Representative Simon Cataldo, will commemorate this historic event. Plus—drumroll please—the Scavenger Hunt raffle drawing will take place at the unveiling, followed by celebratory cake provided by the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.

 

To learn more about Spring into West Concord activities, and participating businesses and organizations, visit the Events section of the West Concord Village Community Facebook page .

Artists from Art for All, in front of the wall where the mural will be installed, hold paintings that will become part of the mural.

Scavenger Hunt Flowers, made by Art for All’s Artisans School for people with cognitive differences, and by the West Concord Green Thumbs, in front of New Leaf where the Green Thumbs will hold their plant sale on May 20th.

 

By Chris Randall, Correspondent

Photo Credits: Joshua White

 

 

 

 

 

Films at the Umbrella, Curated by Concord Film Project

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Enjoy the best of classic, independent, and foreign films curated by The Concord Film Project. The film series returns on Sunday, March 26 at 4pm with the first opportunity for Kid Care – read more about that below.

Concord Film Project | Sunday, March 26 at 4pm

Given is the simple yet powerfully contemplative story of a unique family legacy come full circle. Told through the visceral experience of a 6 yr. old, Given follows legendary surfers Aamion and Daize Goodwin from their island home of Kauai through 15 different countries in the quest for surf and to fulfill a calling handed down through generations. Set in wave after wave of stunningly visual earthscapes, Given blooms into a tender yet stirring exploration of a young boy’s understanding of life through his familial bonds and their reverence for nature. Deeply moving, Given offers us the humbling contrast of a small voice voyaging through a big world as it finds its way home again.

Directed by Jess Bianchi | Not Rated

Runtime 72 minutes

Doors open at 3:00pm for food and drink;  Kid Care activities become available at 3:30pm | Film starts at 4:00pm

Film tickets are $10.

ABOUT KID CARE SHOWS

The Kid Care Show childcare program for students ages 5-12, gives parents the opportunity to watch a film while their child(ren) engage in art activities inspired by the film. This program will occur in Room 222 and pre-registration is required. Drop-Off will occur 30 minutes before the start of the film/performance. During drop-off parents will select a snack & drink option for their child(ren) to enjoy during the program. If your child(ren) has any allergies or behavioral notes, please inform the teacher during drop-off. Pick-up will occur directly following the conclusion of the film/performance.

 

Dinner option is an additional $21. Additional concessions available for purchase. This month’s dinner is from Saltbox.

ABOUT KID CARE SHOWS

The Kid Care Show childcare program for students ages 5-12, gives parents the opportunity to watch a film while their child(ren) engage in art activities inspired by the film. This program will occur in Room 222 and pre-registration is required. Drop-Off will occur 30 minutes before the start of the film/performance. During drop-off parents will select a snack & drink option for their child(ren) to enjoy during the program. If your child(ren) has any allergies or behavioral notes, please inform the teacher during drop-off. Pick-up will occur directly following the conclusion of the film/performance.

Link for tickets/meals/Kid Care

Concord Conservatory of Music Upcoming Concerts

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Concord Conservatory of Music(CCM) presents BostonJazz Wisdom on Friday, March 24th, at 7:30 pm. Experience an evening of energetic, free-spirited, and innovative jazz led by jazz percussion legend Ra-Kalam Bob Moses. His colorful and multicultural music knows no boundaries. The all-star line-up features Dave Bryant on piano, John Lockwood on bass, and CCM faculty member Tsuyoshi Honjo on saxophone. Ra Kalam Bob Moses is one of the world’s great musicians, composers, and drummers and has played with many stellar musicians, including Dave Liebman, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin, Dave Sanborn, and others. Concord Cultural Council, supported by the Mass Cultural Council, generously granted funding toward the 2022-2023 CCM Concert & Lecture Series. Purchase $25 General Admission tickets online  or at the door.

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GRAMMY Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers return to our area for one show only, bringing their new album “Brambletown” and their fan-favorite songs for singing and dancing. On Saturday, April 1, at 2:00 pm, the Concord Conservatory of Music presents the inspirational, infectious musical duo at the Acton-Boxborough High School. With humor and heartfelt connections to nature, their songs teach and entertain audiences of all ages. They have created their own unique sound with a touch of bluegrass, old-time, and folk. Funding support from The Dewey Rosenfield Foundation, Concord Cultural Council, and Mass Cultural Council have helped present the concert. $25 General Admission tickets in advance from ConcordConservatory.org or at the door (if not sold out). info@concordconservatory.org/(978) 369-0010. Concord Conservatory of Music is the area’s non-profit community music school at 1317 Main Street in West Concord.

“Lost & Found” Exhibition Opening Reception and Juror’s Talk at The Umbrella Arts Center

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On view in The Umbrella Main Gallery, Lost and Found is a group art exhibition that presents a diverse array of artists transforming found objects into artworks. To celebrate the opening of this exhibition, a Juror Talk and Artists Reception will be held Sunday, December 11, 4PM, FREE and open to the public.

Juror Jessica Straus calls the exhibition “a praise-song to the ordinary. Lifted out of the continuum of daily life these objects have come to represent the complexities and richness of the human condition. Ranging from whimsical to haunting, the 3D artworks in this collection examine our relationships with familiar, unfamiliar and defamiliarized things, and beg the question…might objects have souls?

“The artist’s love affair with found objects may have begun a few hundred years ago with the ‘Wunderkammer’,” Straus posits. “In these Cabinets of Curiosities, beautiful, soulful objects were amassed and lovingly arranged in a way that elevated their status” and gave them new life. Inspired by how fine artists of the early 1900s such as Picasso, Schwitters and Duchamp could incorporate objects physically within works of art, Straus is interested in an artist’s sensation of an object “beckoning to them; asking to be used and even rescued.”

It’s that allure or “pull” that marks the artworks in Lost and Found, and the sense the artists have a deep connection to the object, and are helping it tell its story.

The impressive lineup of artists – many of whom are widely exhibited members of the NE Sculptors Guild – include Christopher Abrams, John Anderson, Lisa Barthelson, David L. Black, Linda Bond, Jessica Burko, Laura White Carpenter, Jeanne Ciravolo, Merill Comeau, Thomas A.D. Cornell, Daniela DesLauriers, Russell Dupont, Yvonne C. Espinoza, Laura Evans, Audrey Goldstein, Nicholas M. Goodhue, Jared Green, Peter Decamp Haines, Joe Hedges, Shira Karman, Cynthia Katz, Lisa Kellner, Michelle Lougee, Billy T. Lyons, Steve Novick, Jeanne Williamson Ostroff, Ponnapa Prakkamakul, Abbie Read, Emily Rose, Robert Rovenolt, Marilu Swett, Caron Tabb, Martha Wakefield, Leslie Wilcox and Carolyn Wirth.

The exhibition is on view through December 30, 2022 at The Umbrella Arts Center at 40 Stow Street in Concord Center.  Gallery hours are 10AM-9PM, 7 days a week.

See TheUmbrellaArts.org/Lost-and-Found

IT’S THE SEASON OF GIVING – FIND WAYS TO GIVE LOCALLY

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PLEASE HOLIDAY GIFT CARD PROGRAM!

Give to your Community – Donate to the Holiday Gift Card Program!

Each year, the Town of Concord’s Community Services Division, in collaboration with the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, organizes a town-wide Holiday Gift Card Program to provide low-income families financial support during the holiday season. Please consider donating a gift card, in any amount, to a family in need. Gift cards from local merchants are especially welcome, as are gift cards from supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, or big box stores.

Donations will be accepted through December 11th. Gift card donations can be mailed to Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator, 55 Church Street, Concord, or they may be placed in the donation drop boxes located at:

• Town House, 22 Monument Square, drop box in entry lobby to the left
• Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, 19 Main Street, Suite #2
• 55 Church Street in West Concord, drop box outside to the right of entry

Questions? Contact Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator at tel. 978-318-3034, or bwilbur@concordma.gov

OPEN TABLE FAMILY-TO-FAMILY HOLIDAY DRIVE 

This year we again invite you to create a holiday gift bag for either a local family or a senior who may be struggling this year. Many past donors have said, “Thank you! This is the most meaningful activity my family does during the holidays!” With demand for our services up significantly Open Table needs more participants to ensure that each of our clients receives a gift bag.

You will be provided with a list of suggested items to fill a gift bag. And we will send reminders and other information each of the first 12 days of December.

Gift bags will be collected in Maynard on Friday, December 16, 2-6pm and at Crosby’s Market in Concord on Saturday, December 17, 10am-1pm. Clients will receive gift bags with the final food distribution of 2022.

Thoreau Elementary Toy Swap – Come & Shop!

On Saturday, December 10 from 3-6 pm, come shop in the Thoreau Elementary cafeteria for “new-to-you” toys, games and much more! All proceeds benefit class programming, events and more for students at Thoreau Elementary.

 

The CCHS Football Team is participating in the Toy Drive with the Concord Fire-EMS Department. 

 

HOLIDAY SPIRIT CLOTHING DRIVE FOR LOCAL KIDS 

Help PreK – 12th Grade children and their families in Boston who are economically and emotionally impacted this school year.

  • New & gently used clothing Youth sizes 4-20 and Teen Sizes XS – 3X
  • New full size toiletries

 

CONCORD HOLIDAY SEASON 2022!

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COUNTDOWN TO THE HOLIDAYS!

FAMILY TREES EXHIBIT AT THE CONCORD MUSEUM

Visit the 27th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature at the Concord Museum through Monday, January 2, 2023. Admire 34 fancifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths inspired by acclaimed works of children’s literature.

CONCORD LIBRARY HOLIDAY BOOK SALE 

Friends of the Concord Free Public Library invite you to the Annual Holiday Book Sale! December 2nd, 3rd & 4th

UMBRELLA WINTER MARKET December 2-4

Unique, handmade gifts by dozens of Studio and Guest Artists and Artisans, Ceramics Studio Sale, Holiday Cafe, Maker Demos and Arts & Environment Family Drop-In Day on December 4th.

     

Concord Museum: The Fête – Friday, December 2nd

The Concord Museum transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland. As one of the Museum’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Fête is a chance to celebrate the season with fellow friends and supporters.

CONCORD MUSEUM HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR – December 3rd

Concord’s holiday charm will be on full display in these festive, unique houses. Gather your friends and bundle up to enjoy this one-of-a-kind holiday tour! The theme for 2022’s Holiday House Tour is “Concord Through the Ages”.

CONCORD’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY PARADE IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH, 3-6PM

 

 

CONCORD ART HOLIDAY ART SALE

Join us for our Holiday Art Sale! This is a perfect opportunity to shop for your loved ones for the holidays. The opening reception will held December 1st, at 5:30pm. Runs December 1st – December 18th!

SANTA VISITS VERRILL FARM December 3rd

16th ANNUAL BARN BOUTIQUE

OPEN TABLE FAMILY-TO-FAMILY HOLIDAY DRIVE 

This year we again invite you to create a holiday gift bag for either a local family or a senior who may be struggling this year. Many past donors have said, “Thank you! This is the most meaningful activity my family does during the holidays!” With demand for our services up significantly Open Table needs more participants to ensure that each of our clients receives a gift bag.

You will be provided with a list of suggested items to fill a gift bag. And we will send reminders and other information each of the first 12 days of December.

Gift bags will be collected in Maynard on Friday, December 16, 2-6pm and at Crosby’s Market in Concord on Saturday, December 17, 10am-1pm. Clients will receive gift bags with the final food distribution of 2022.

CCM COMMUNITY SING SERIES

One-Hour Singing Sessions and Performance Opportunity for All Ages! There’s no fee to participate, just a love of singing! The Concord Conservatory of Music presents the Community Sing Series.

MUSKETAQUID FULL MOON LANTERN CELEBRATION

Join The Umbrella Arts Center and The Old Manse under the light of the full moon on December 7.

Come by to partake in a lantern-making craft, enjoy hot chocolate by the bonfire while listening to moon-inspired stories, and then bring your newly crafted lanterns on a silent, meditative walk through the meadow as the moon rises over the trees, led by C.C. King.

Thoreau Elementary Toy Swap – Come & Shop!

On Saturday, December 10 from 3-6 pm, come shop in the Thoreau Elementary cafeteria for “new-to-you” toys, games and much more! All proceeds benefit class programming, events and more for students at Thoreau Elementary.

WEST CONCORD  VILLAGE HOLIDAY STROLL DECEMBER 10th

Join the West Concord businesses as they celebrate the Holiday Season – carolers, crafts, cocoas, special holiday fare from all of your favorite West Concord shops, and more!

CONCORD CHORUS – WINTER HOLIDAY CONCERTS

The Concord Chorus, conducted by Dr. Kevin Leong, is pleased to present its annual Winter Holiday Concerts on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 2:00 and 5:00 PM at the Middlesex School’s Memorial Chapel, 1400 Lowell Road

CONCORD BAND HOLIDAY POPS

Enjoy some musical holiday cheer with the Concord Band Holiday Pops, a Concord tradition since 1976. Under the direction of Music Director James O’Dell, the Concord Band will perform a mixture of traditional holiday favorites and some new songs for the season.

A Christmas Carol, featuring actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby at the Concord Free Public Library

Join actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby for a funny, heartfelt journey through Charles’ Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. The event will take place on Wednesday, December 14 at 6:30 PM at the Concord Free Public Library.

CONCORD FAMILY NETWORK HOLIDAY PARTY

Join Concord Family Network’s holiday party, Thursday, December 15th at the TriCon Church (though the celebration is non-denominational and all are welcome) in Concord Center, stop by anytime 430-630pm. The event will include festive activities such as a winter craft, a photo booth and holiday music, pizza will be provided. Children (and adults) should plan to wear holiday jammies (adults are welcome to as well :))

This event is free for members, $10 per family for non-members.

 

HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT – December 16th & 18th

The Umbrella Stage Company in partnership with Firebird Pops Orchestra is thrilled to announce our first ever holiday pops concert!

Together with the Firebird Vox choir, the orchestra will sweep you away with magical scores from favorite seasonal blockbusters Home Alone and The Polar Express, classic favorites including Sleigh Ride, The Nutcracker, Carol of the Bells, and more!

The Grinch

December 17 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Join us for a delightful interactive theater experience!

CYT actors will inspire you with new and improved versions of familiar children’s stories, complete with a sing-a-long! Outgoing audience members may even join the actors on stage to tell a joke or share a special talent. And everyone gets a prize at the end!!! So put on your performing hats and come play with us!!! Suggested audience ages 2 – 9.

Playtime Theater performs at 53 Church Street, West Concord. All shows begin at 10:30 am.

Tickets: $5.00 per person at the door, cash or check only – no advance sales

Costume Character Day with the Grinch at the Concord Museum December 17th, 1-3pm

Come by the Concord Museum to meet the Grinch! Your heart will grow three sizes when you meet Dr. Seuss’s famous holiday character! Visitors can meet the Grinch and hear the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas! While you’re there, visit Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. Free with Museum admission. Members visit free.

 

The CCHS Football Team is participating in the Toy Drive with the Concord Fire-EMS Department. 

 

Visit the  Gingerbread House at the Main Library Lobby!

Dr. Andrea Resciniti’s giant gingerbread house is now on display in the Main Library Lobby throughout the month of December.  This is the 24th gingerbread house Dr. Resciniti, a surgeon at Emerson Hospital, has donated to the Concord Free Public Library since 1982.

Please contribute to the Holiday Gift Card Program!

Give to your Community – Donate to the Holiday Gift Card Program!

Each year, the Town of Concord’s Community Services Division, in collaboration with the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, organizes a town-wide Holiday Gift Card Program to provide low-income families financial support during the holiday season. Please consider donating a gift card, in any amount, to a family in need. Gift cards from local merchants are especially welcome, as are gift cards from supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, or big box stores.

Donations will be accepted through December 11th. Gift card donations can be mailed to Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator, 55 Church Street, Concord, or they may be placed in the donation drop boxes located at:

• Town House, 22 Monument Square, drop box in entry lobby to the left
• Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, 19 Main Street, Suite #2
• 55 Church Street in West Concord, drop box outside to the right of entry

Questions? Contact Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator at tel. 978-318-3034, or bwilbur@concordma.gov

SHOP LOCAL!