The Counter
by Meghan Kennedy
Directed by Patrick White
Albany Barn
56 2nd Street
Albany, NY 12210
6/12-6/19
$15
Tickets may be purchased by clicking here
The Counter is a play by Meghan Kennedy about an unlikely friendship that develops between a lonely waitress, Katie, and a regular customer, Paul, a retired firefighter, at a small town diner in upstate New York.
Their casual morning conversations evolve into a deep, life-affirming bond as they share secrets, culminating in a shocking request from Paul that forces them both to confront their grief and find hope through human connection. The play, directed by David Cromer, premiered Off-Broadway in 2024 and is known for its intimate, moving, and provocative exploration of loneliness and connection.
"Kennedy deals in secrets and grief and escape, in running away and starting again, and most crucially in standing in front of a suddenly opened door: You either stay inside, crushed by your habitual fear and unhappiness, or bravely walk through."-New York Stage Review
"The Counter offers an engrossing dive into the minds of people who have been deeply shaken by their past, a reminder of the importance of human bonding, warm physical contact, and understanding of another’s devastating personal struggles, and a masterclass in acting by the outstanding cast."-DC Theatre Arts
"While we never see a slice of pie, we do witness a slice of life that may long haunt us in this riveting play. So make sure to get a seat at “The Counter,” because it’s likely to be one of the best pieces of theater we see all season."-CitiTour NY
Thursday, 9/17 - Performance 7:30pm
Friday, 9/18 - Performance 7:30pm
Saturday, 9/18 - Performance 7:30pm
Thursday, 9/24 - Performance 7:30pm
Friday, 9/25 - Performance 7:30pm
Saturday, 9/26 - Performance 7:30pm
Cast:
Paul - Dennis Skiba
Katie - Lisa Bryk
Peg - Joyce Reynolds
Produced by Amy Hausknecht
Stage Managed by Regina Baker
Lighting Design by Stephen Wilson
Sound Design by Shaya Reyes
Acting Class With Patrick White at the Mopco Theater!
Acting Class Fall Session starts Saturday, 10/3. Classes are 10-1pm at The MOPCO Improv Theatre (10 N Jay St). There are 10 classes for $300 which includes a free Scene Night on either Sunday, 12/13 or Tuesday, 12/15 and professional headshots and scene photography.
Class is filled with a great mix of veteran local actors, first timers, retirees who have been waiting to get on stage and young people busting to contribute to the Capital Region theater scene. Class consists of warmups, exercises, games, audition prep and scene work looking to make you a stronger, more confident actor who is able to leave class, bag roles and have the best time creating on stages throughout the Capital Region.
To register, the $300 fee must be submitted by Venmo (@patrick-white-229) or check to 709 Myrtle Ave, Albany, NY 12208 by 9/26.
Saturdays 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12
Scene Night either Sunday, 12/13 or Tuesday, 12/15.
