←Recommendations of Outpost

[8/27/2024] I love suspense and this play didn't disappoint. But this play is so much more than that. Mix a cup of Sci-fi, a half-cup of that aforementioned suspense, a third of a cup of romance, a teaspoon of the unexpected, a dash of bittersweet, and a pinch of hope, and you'll get OUTPOST, by Scott Sickles. A delicious recipe by an amazing "chef"!

This piece hits you like a truck. Everything about this piece is perfect. What Scott Sickles does with this story is just awe-inspiring. He builds up a sense of hope, where the readers think everything will end up ok, only to tear it down and showcase that the end of truly on your doorstep. But in a surprise turn of events, somehow the end of the world seems ok at the very end, especially when it's with someone you care to be with.

A taut and moving examination of love under the ultimate stress - survival. Sickles keeps the clock ticking in imaginative and realistic ways as the odds are stacked against the protagonists, and ultimately pulls off an uplifting resolution. Compelling and satisfying.

A beautiful and full story of love thrillingly set in outer space. Well done.

The final stand of the human race becomes, not a battle against overwhelming odds, but a love story. Scott Sickles' play is tender in it's telling but thrilling in it's execution. I was on the edge of my seat hoping Sam and Dale (and let's face it, I wanted Computer to make it as well) would find a way to overcome the creeping menace, or at least escape to live another day. I'm glad that the author lets the audience supply it's own ending to this tale of literal star-crossed lovers.

Another spellbinding play by Sickles. He pulls out all the stops in this Sci-Fi thriller that transcends that genre with its tense action and beautiful love story. Readers and viewers will find themselves holding their breath almost from the very beginning and forget to breathe as these two individuals race against not only time but the end of the world. Should be a staple at at any play festival!

Among other strengths, Sickles' short play "Outpost" is terrific at telling a story through scope. The story begins at the deepest and widest of perspectives -- on the fringes of the Milky Way galaxy -- and then re-focuses to tell a very intimate story.

Sickles tugs at our hearts as he reflects on the nature of humankind, particularly our uncanny knack to find a gentle grace as the end draws nigh ... I concur with Monica Cross, this is a MUST! Sickles is a master at taking extreme scenarios and holding them up to show us our humanity, our quiet dignity. Dale and Sam's love story would be a most fitting end to the likes of all of us. An excellent addition to an utmost, stellar body of work. If you haven't produced or read a Scott Sickles play, here's an excellent starting point.

This is a MUST! Sickles puts a new spin on one of the classic tropes of the sci-fi: the end of all Human life. Part Dark-Comedy, Part Heart-Wrenching Tragedy, this play give wit and passion in equal measure. All three parts are well balanced and give actors a lot to work with. Definitely check this out!

Wow! What a journey. Such a terrific sci fi short! Sickles work here is so compelling and fun, with zippy language bouncing around a strongly-defined world of the imagination. Reading this play, I had that spooky feeling like listening to a story when you're a kid. Sickles' writerly voice is strong and clear - and my mind filled in all the Milky Way, right there on the bare stage. This play would be a DREAM to produce - for actors, directors and designers alike. Beam me up!