Recommended by Andrew Martineau

  • The Shoe Kid
    13 Apr. 2021
    Wow! I was not prepared for a Christmas play centered on the backstory for one of the strangest Christmas songs I’ve ever heard, but this was hysterical. The horror show ending to this parody is something my imagination cannot unsee, and I am fine with that! I would love to see this as a part of an evening of irreverent holiday plays!
  • Textual Abuse
    13 Apr. 2021
    Talk about having a “social dilemma”! This play is a warning of where our text-weary culture is headed if we don’t pay close attention. Yes, we can laugh at Sansone-Braff’s carefully crafted text exchanges, and this is truly funny, but it is also a cautionary tale. The two bullets joke was amazing and put a cap on a strong string of outrageous messages. Fantastic!
  • Textbook Messages
    12 Apr. 2021
    As someone who teaches college courses and tutors on the side, I could seriously relate to this play. I love the dramatization of simultaneous text messages, as well as the message about Canvas being that thing that causes stress. This is hysterical from beginning to end! The ending is perfect. Well done, Ross!
  • The Brightest Light
    11 Apr. 2021
    The deep friendship between two high school and college BFFs begins to unravel in the first scene when we realize that one of them seems unequipped for adulthood and makes a rash decision that drives a wedge between them. The play is smartly structured to show the ripple effect of one irresponsible action that was well-intentioned. It is a story that ultimately is about love, and it is heartbreaking real and poignant. A wonderful drama for two young actors!
  • The Jinx
    10 Apr. 2021
    This is the kind of “buddy” play that once was very popular and the type that I think we could use more of these days, regardless of whether it’s sports-related or not. It has rapid, comedic dialogue with a satisfying ending, and it never feels forced for the sake of laughs. I saw a reading of this at the Midwest Dramatists’ Conference, and I remember what a crowd pleaser it was. Wonderfully fresh and fun!
  • Garbage City Heroes
    10 Apr. 2021
    This short parody of a dystopian, post-apocalyptic narrative involving aging former rockers shining a glimmer of hope on the decaying rubble is exhilarating. Pandemonium Thorpe is a dynamic character for a teen actor to be play, heroic yet still a little vulnerable in this uncertain, too quiet world. The ending was surprising and perfect. I would love to see and hear this performed live onstage!
  • Fix
    9 Apr. 2021
    There is a profound sense of melancholy in FIX, as well as hope for the new year as we sit on the precipice of these addicts’ bleak futures. The title suggests that the “fix” is not only about the drugs but also about the future of the country, which in hindsight could be considered anything but that. The sadness of an obligatory New Year’s kiss in this scenario is painful and raw. This is stunningly good.
  • LUNCH MONEY, a 10-minute play
    8 Apr. 2021
    I really enjoyed the naturalistic pre-teen dialogue in this fun play. It has an important anti-bullying message that should resonate with adolescent kids and also make them laugh. I love the Peanuts-like quality of absent adults who clearly need to be supervising this lunch room. I would love to see this performed!
  • All-Star Attitude
    7 Apr. 2021
    In ALL-STAR ATTITUDE, Baughfman uses humor to set up a conflict between two fathers with radically different views about the value of sports, competition and toughness at a very young age. The play is hysterical from the start, and it leads to a climax that is quite realistic and a little disturbing. It reveals so much about parental expectations that seem proactive but could be considered potentially damaging on an emotional level. Well done!
  • (Un)Scripted
    6 Apr. 2021
    As Miranda is trying to make it to the next module in the script, I feel her frustration and disappointment after the feedback she is given about her verbal exchange with the “barista.” While this play certainly educates audiences about autism, I love that Miranda is relatable to anyone who has been in an awkward social situation and feels they have passed the test. We know in our hearts that she has passed it with flying colors. Wonderful!

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