Community Activities Enrich The Color Purple

The Umbrella Stage Company has announced a planned series of community activities to support and enrich theatergoers’ experience of this spring’s production of The Color Purple, the musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic novel, and the 1985 film by Steven Spielberg.

From talkbacks with the cast and moderated discussions on the show’s themes, to childcare and packaged meal options, to informative guided tours exploring the stories of Women and African Americans throughout Concord’s history, audiences will have several opportunities to engage more deeply and comfortably with this “exuberant celebration of community and female empowerment” (The Guardian).

Friday May 19 – 4PM – Pre-Show African American History of Concord Walking Tour, in partnership with Concord Visitor Center

Saturday, May 20 – 4PM – Pre-Show Women of Concord Walking Tour, in partnership with Concord Visitor Center

Sunday, May 21 – Kid-Care Performance*, Community Discussion with Kira Troilo of Art & Soul

Thursday, May 25 Night – Pre-Show Soul Food Dinner Option from Nosh; Post-show Talk Back with the cast

Friday, May 26 – 4PM – Pre-Show Women of Concord Walking Tour, in partnership with Concord Visitor Center

Saturday, May 27 – 4PM – Pre-Show African American History of Concord Walking Tour, in partnership with Concord Visitor Center

Sunday, May 28 – Brown Out Performance with Post-show Affinity Space Potluck for BIPOC Artists, Audiences & Allies — All are Welcome!

Thursday, June 1 – Pre-Show Soul Food Dinner Option from Nosh

Friday, June 2 – 4PM – Pre-Show Women of Concord Walking Tour, in partnership with Concord Visitor Center

Sunday, June 4 – Post-show Talk Back with the cast

NEW! #DinnerAndAShow Thursday Night Out Packages!

Thursdays in Concord are now a fun and easy entertainment Date Night thanks to optional pre-show dinners at The Umbrella, provided by Nosh by Concord Market!

Coming straight from work? No problem! Park free at The Umbrella, then take a load off in their beautifully renovated space. Sit to enjoy a delicious catered dinner (you can pre-order vegetarian, fish and meat options), pick up a beverage at concessions, and then explore the international art exhibition Points of Return the art galleries at your ease until it’s time for curtain!  Chef-planned themed menus for The Color Purple can be pre-ordered right up until NOON on Wednesday before  the performance; menu options can be selected and added to your online cart at the same as you are making your seat selections! See The Color Purple ticketing options.

ENTREES

  • Cauliflower Pimento Mac and Cheese
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
  • Seared Mustard Salmon with Apple Celery Slaw and Jalapeno Cornbread

DESSERT

  • Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone

 

In addition to catered Thursday dinners at The Umbrella, all of our performances are supported by day-of-show special offers from our several wonderful #DinnerAndAShowConcord Hospitality PartnersFind special discounts on meals and overnight stays here in the heart of historic Concord with partners including Adelita, Aloft/Element Hotels, Concord’s Colonial Inn, Fiorella’s, and Nosh by Concord Market!

The 1780 House – take a peek inside!

The 1780 House is an art gallery and event space in the center of historic Concord, MA. Named after the year it was built, it has been thoughtfully renovated and carefully brought back to life to be a modern art gallery and event space available for private rentals.  Located directly next door to the Colonial Inn, and en route to the Old North Bridge, we welcome you to visit us soon!

 

  

 

The Adrian Martinez Classic

    The Adrian Martinez Classic Returns for Its 13th Edition: A Celebration of Community, Athleticism, and Legacy

CONCORD, MA – The Adrian Martinez Classic is back for its 13th edition, after a 4 year COVID-induced hiatus, on Saturday, June 10th, starting at 4pm at Emerson Field in Concord, MA. This distinctive track meet has earned a reputation as a unique convergence of Olympians, high school athletes, and runners of all ages, for an evening filled with competitive spirit and community camaraderie.

The event will showcase some of the region’s top athletes in High Performance events, including 800m, 1500m, and 5000m races. In previous years, the Classic has been a stage for elite performances, with as many as ten men breaking the 4:00 minute barrier in the ADRO mile race.

In addition to the high-performance contests, the Adrian Martinez Classic warmly welcomes runners of all abilities to participate in community mile races, and younger competitors under 8 years old in an 800m (half mile) race. The event is an inclusive space for kids as young as 5, masters as old as 75. The spirit of local family competition will be rekindled in the Family 4x400m.

This year, we are excited to announce Marathon Sports and OOFOS as our primary sponsors. Their steadfast commitment to promoting athletic excellence and community engagement aligns perfectly with the values of the Adrian Martinez Classic.

At its core, the Adrian Martinez Classic is a tribute to the life and legacy of Adrian Martinez, a champion miler who graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School in 2002. Known for his humility, caring nature, and love for learning, Adrian was a beacon of leadership, both academically and athletically. This event serves as a heartfelt homage to his love for running and his ability to bring people together.

All proceeds from the Adrian Martinez Classic will support the Adrian Martinez Scholarship Fund, administered by The Scholarship Fund of Concord and Carlisle, and the Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS) Track & Field programs. These initiatives embody Adrian’s passion for distance running and education, continuing his legacy of kindness, humility, and leadership. Interested parties can donate online at paypal.me/martinezclassic.

For further information for the event, please visit https://www.martinezclassic.com/ or contact Steve Lane at stevelane6@gmail.com.

Photos:
1. Olympians Elle Purrier-St. Pierre and Abbey Cooper celebrate after the women’s 5000m in 2019.
2. Olympian David Torrance setting the meet record of 3:53 in the mile in 2017