A lovely, bittersweet, relatable short play about family and the ties that bind us, release us, and sometimes gag us. I loved learning about the Kowalski Gift Exchange and about each of these compelling characters. It's remarkable how playwright Brent Alles has been able to give us a snapshot of a complicated yet loving family in just ten minutes time. I loved the entreaty to keep the old and add something new. A perfect play for the holidays but an enjoyable read any day of the year!

The magic of Alles' "Maybe Next Year" lies in it's universality. There are echos of our family in there, no matter the level of disfunction that they may posess. Fantasically relatable, because we know these people. This is our brother, our sister... Our family. Like a blanket wrapped in tradition, this play feels like coming home.

As much as the family repeats of bad jokes, ugly sweaters, a vegetable dish no one eats - are mourned on the happiest of occasions, it's those same moments that rebuild the comfort of traditions that forms the glue in a family. Time is the final ingredient in this that enriches as all and brings us joy. What a comfortable, loving family. Perfect for a holiday festival. Well done, Brent.