Recommended by Andrew Martineau

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    The conflict in Westby’s sharply written play about stolen books and the supposed dangers of words deals with a man looking for his lost daughter, along with the loss of imagined worlds and ideas, and a young man who is deathly afraid of allowing the words to live free. The case for the beauty of stories by E.B. White, Victor Hugo and Maurice Sendak is beautifully told, which strengthens the argument that we need books, plays and poetry, perhaps now more than ever. Excellent work!

    The conflict in Westby’s sharply written play about stolen books and the supposed dangers of words deals with a man looking for his lost daughter, along with the loss of imagined worlds and ideas, and a young man who is deathly afraid of allowing the words to live free. The case for the beauty of stories by E.B. White, Victor Hugo and Maurice Sendak is beautifully told, which strengthens the argument that we need books, plays and poetry, perhaps now more than ever. Excellent work!

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    I am always drawn to stories involving multiple generations and the ripple effects that occur when the patriarch or matriarch is afflicted with a health issue. Jack Levine does a wonderful job of showing how dementia of a very beloved father and grandfather affects everyone in the family in profound ways. I was intrigued by a subplot involving the granddaughter and David’s heroic intervention. I also was moved by the granddaughter’s speech about rocks and how they can be “anchors,” much like David. It was a strong ending to a multi-layered, nuanced drama.

    I am always drawn to stories involving multiple generations and the ripple effects that occur when the patriarch or matriarch is afflicted with a health issue. Jack Levine does a wonderful job of showing how dementia of a very beloved father and grandfather affects everyone in the family in profound ways. I was intrigued by a subplot involving the granddaughter and David’s heroic intervention. I also was moved by the granddaughter’s speech about rocks and how they can be “anchors,” much like David. It was a strong ending to a multi-layered, nuanced drama.

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    Words are powerful things, and this dialogue between two young girls brilliantly conveys the power of a single word, along with the confusing messages that adults send children which suggest that honest conversations about unwanted actions on the part of boys are not encouraged or even allowed. So much is revealed in so few words here, and yet it is sure to spark meaningful discussion. Amazing work!

    Words are powerful things, and this dialogue between two young girls brilliantly conveys the power of a single word, along with the confusing messages that adults send children which suggest that honest conversations about unwanted actions on the part of boys are not encouraged or even allowed. So much is revealed in so few words here, and yet it is sure to spark meaningful discussion. Amazing work!

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    A red light can have many connotations, and David L. Williams has crafted an Orwellian style drama in which the red light is both a symbol of surveillance and illegal relationships. There is a palpable urgency to Eva and Charly’s decision. The dangers of a bookstore is also remarkably relevant these days. Very thought provoking!

    A red light can have many connotations, and David L. Williams has crafted an Orwellian style drama in which the red light is both a symbol of surveillance and illegal relationships. There is a palpable urgency to Eva and Charly’s decision. The dangers of a bookstore is also remarkably relevant these days. Very thought provoking!

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    I love the homage to the Mel Brooks style of madcap humor reminiscent of “Young Frankenstein” that Sam Heyman creates while also being wonderfully original in his construction. I didn’t expect the ending, but it works perfectly. I also enjoyed an audio version of the play on the Theatrical Shenanigans podcast. Inspired lunacy!

    I love the homage to the Mel Brooks style of madcap humor reminiscent of “Young Frankenstein” that Sam Heyman creates while also being wonderfully original in his construction. I didn’t expect the ending, but it works perfectly. I also enjoyed an audio version of the play on the Theatrical Shenanigans podcast. Inspired lunacy!

  • Andrew Martineau: Collateral Damage: A Monologue by Donald E. Baker
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    A strong monologue can capture a moment in time and allow the audience to imagine what the character is revealing. It can conjure memories that trigger a common feeling of compassion and empathy. Don Baker’s description of a soldier’s regret of not speaking up, of making a horrible discovery, is vivid and profoundly sad. The image of red hair that is the key identifier in the tragedy is palpable. A powerful, well-told story.

    A strong monologue can capture a moment in time and allow the audience to imagine what the character is revealing. It can conjure memories that trigger a common feeling of compassion and empathy. Don Baker’s description of a soldier’s regret of not speaking up, of making a horrible discovery, is vivid and profoundly sad. The image of red hair that is the key identifier in the tragedy is palpable. A powerful, well-told story.

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  • Andrew Martineau: Focus by Brent Alles
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    If I had to use one word to describe “Focus” by Brent Alles (using Susan’s own line of questioning), I would say madcap. Comedy often works best when there is a tinge of realism, and I could believe that there is more than a little truth here in how a focus group for crunchers would operate. I would love to see this live, and it would fun if the crunchers were offered to audiences to see if they would be so brave to taste them. Very funny stuff!

    If I had to use one word to describe “Focus” by Brent Alles (using Susan’s own line of questioning), I would say madcap. Comedy often works best when there is a tinge of realism, and I could believe that there is more than a little truth here in how a focus group for crunchers would operate. I would love to see this live, and it would fun if the crunchers were offered to audiences to see if they would be so brave to taste them. Very funny stuff!

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  • Andrew Martineau: If Not for the Jelly Doughnut by Randy Hunt
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    Funny monologues are hard to pull off, and so when you encounter one that makes you smile and enjoy its sweet serendipity, you just sit back and savor it. A great piece for a comic actor. Thanks, Randy Hunt. Now I need a jelly doughnut!

    Funny monologues are hard to pull off, and so when you encounter one that makes you smile and enjoy its sweet serendipity, you just sit back and savor it. A great piece for a comic actor. Thanks, Randy Hunt. Now I need a jelly doughnut!

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  • Andrew Martineau: EGG DROP, 10-minute play by Karen Saari
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    The parallels between a school project to “protect” an egg and the compulsion to unravel the clues that point to a friend’s possible domestic violence situation are profound, compelling and heartbreaking in Karen Saari’s short drama. Three teenage girls awkwardly share what they know as they try to figure out the best way not to fail the egg project. The dialogue is authentic and the tension is strong. The ambiguous ending shows us how helpless we can all be when we are not sure how to intervene, whether we are kids or adults. A powerful piece!

    The parallels between a school project to “protect” an egg and the compulsion to unravel the clues that point to a friend’s possible domestic violence situation are profound, compelling and heartbreaking in Karen Saari’s short drama. Three teenage girls awkwardly share what they know as they try to figure out the best way not to fail the egg project. The dialogue is authentic and the tension is strong. The ambiguous ending shows us how helpless we can all be when we are not sure how to intervene, whether we are kids or adults. A powerful piece!

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  • Andrew Martineau: Love and Trophies by Jon Herbert
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    Ember and Chase have a seemingly typical hyped-up hormonal teenage relationship, and there is a great twist at the end that reveals a very intriguing intention. I really like the naturalistic dialogue that doesn’t shy away from what these kids are thinking about and asking for. Even the character names show an interesting contrast in their motives. Nicely done!

    Ember and Chase have a seemingly typical hyped-up hormonal teenage relationship, and there is a great twist at the end that reveals a very intriguing intention. I really like the naturalistic dialogue that doesn’t shy away from what these kids are thinking about and asking for. Even the character names show an interesting contrast in their motives. Nicely done!

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