←Recommendations of Erstwhile

JOHN BUSSER strongly recommended that we should NOT read his play. Clearly, he has a good point IF you don’t want to laugh so much you might get arrested for making too much noise, or you are too shy to be around two dozen characters in one ‘what-did-he-say’ farcical fantasy, or you just want to miss enjoying one heck of a play. “Erstwhile’ is the name; comedy is the whole point. Thanks, John, for a great evening of reading your play!

I wanted to recommend this play but, alas, I've been banned. That's a huge shame, because it's very funny. I would have loved to say something nice about the characterization of some of my dearest playwright friends, the groan-worthy one-liners, and the theatrical use of Zoom. Ah, well. Maybe next time.

03/27/2026 - Despite being a more recent member of the Playwrights Thriving group than some, I can attest that John Busser has done a magnificent job capturing the voices of all the playwrights well. Hilarious from beginning to end. I will be sure to attend more announcement meetings to see events like this unfold in real time!

Not since Sartre's NO EXIT has there been such a dystopic play about characters stuck in a liminal space for all eternity. If this play is ever performed somewhere (outside of PT), (a) what is wrong with that theatre, and (b) I expect Busser to personally invite every member included to opening night!

Busser’s take on “Erstwhile” brings be back to my message board days, where occasionally posters would write stories using thinly veiled self insert characters of the forum community to great (narcissistic) aplomb. What a strange bunch we playwrights are. This play makes me feel confident I’ve found my people, in which plays like these, and playwrights like the fantastic John Busser, are able to thrive.

Delighted to be included in this Mad Looking Glass of a short-play-silliness, even if I "should know better." Fun to see another Playwright take on large cast craziness and fun to fictionally take part in this zoom reading even if life has kept me from actually taking part! Merde, Busser, Merde!

The only thing missing from this hilarious (to me/us) short is anyone literally asking, "Who's on first?" Also I quite appreciate the description of the character David. Chef's kiss to a splendid and nutso brainsprawl!

Is this allowed? Transcribing our not-so-secret zooms into a play. I did not get the notice that we were being recorded. Brent, look it up and tell me if this is allowed. Apparently I'm a tired, two-bit joke, and I'm okay with that. Just happy to be included. Hilarious from the cast list on. Thank you, John Busser, for making me laugh out loud, several times no less. Also, did anyone ban John?

I read it, I laughed, and I have to admit I felt a bit jealous for a while, but then I felt glad that you have built such a wonderful community! And that meta-theatrical play is the proof of it.

Fuck! John Fucking Busser has unleashed a mass fucking sendup of his fucking playwright compatriots, including Yours Fucking Truly. I've been fucking characterized as a fucking opinionated fuck-spewing contrarian, to which I fucking take fucking exception. Many of his fucking characterizations are spot fucking on! Others he's clearly fucking met or at least learned their fucking names. Regardless, this fucking play is really fucking funny whether you know the fuckers he's lampooning or not! Fucking Busser...