Existing somewhere between absolute realism and absolute wish-fulfillment, this is a great play about the current state of assessment culture. Biting commentary but wrapped in a digestble coating of world-weary comedic characters. A perfect play for anyone who has even a brushing familiarity with teaching (in other words, all of us).

10/25/2025: I saw an excellent staged reading of this brilliant play at the Midwest Dramatists Conference 2025. The play reveals an award-winning professor's true motivation behind his teaching methods and delivers a jarring punch to the current state of the student-teacher relationship in academia! And the best part is that you don't even have to be in academia to relate to the events and appreciate this hilarious play! Bravo!

Apple had me laughing, groaning, and nodding in recognition. And I'm not even in academia. The twist midway through sends this play in a surprising direction that includes a terrific monologue for Tom, the tenure-track professor. But both roles offer substantial opportunities to two lucky actors. Apple has many more readings and productions ahead of it.