Photo by Jim Sabitus feat. Mei MacQuarrie and Matthew Beagan.

Presented by the Umbrella Stage Company 
Written by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Michelle M. Aguillon
Featuring: Mei MacQuarrie, Matthew Beagan

Approximate run-time: 90 minutes, no intermission
October 11 – November 22, 2026
Umbrella Arts
40 Stow St.
Concord, MA 01742

Critique by Diana Lu

TL; DR: What. The. Fuck. Lauren Gunderson?

CONCORD, Mass. – I’m going to spoil the plot and ruin this play for you. But first, let’s give some shoutouts to the team.

Both actors in this chamber play were charming and believable as teenagers. Matthew Beagan (Anthony)’s earnestness combined with Mei MacQuarrie (Caroline)’s mordant delivery and comedic timing carried the show. My favorite scene was when they shared their dreams of visiting New York as John Coltrane played in the background (sound design by Chris Brousseau). Costumes (Kelly Baker) and scenic design (Justin Lahue) created a convincing aesthetic of two teens in a teenage girl’s bedroom in the early 2010s. Blocking (Michelle Aguillon) and intimacy direction (Anna Silva) were generally clean and smooth. I’m also impressed that Umbrella Arts hires EDI consultants (Ariel Welch for I and You) for all the productions I’ve seen so far. Continue reading →