Recommended by Andrew Martineau

I have always been intrigued by stories, loosely based or not, on ideological divides and class conflicts in New York City with titans of capitalism such as the Rockefeller, the Astors, Carnegie, the Vanderbilts, and others. Iyana Caruso has created a truly unique and compelling short play about opposing views of how art and commerce can merge, and added tension and drama, complete with splashing paint. Diego Rivera’s point about art becoming more powerful in its destruction is so thought-provoking, and I am curious to read what happens in the longer version. Beautifully executed!

I am happy I found this New Year’s monologue while we are still in the midst of resolutions, which, according to Mervyn, will all end by January 6. I believe him. I love how he reveals sobering facts that make him seem like a Scrooge who sadly lost his sense of gratefulness in the past two weeks. The ending, though, is truly brilliant. Great monologue for a middle-aged gentleman.

This is such a surprising and suspenseful short play about “parenting,” in its own way. It is beautifully constructed. The “mom” talk at the beginning builds slowly and naturally, and the twist is awesome because Vogel doesn’t succumb to stereotypes of what we expect these characters to be. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and would love to see it on stage!

With a highly provocative title and intriguing monologue that the title is based on, James Perry has crafted several loosely connected scenes that deal with gender identity, racism and the ambivalent views our culture has about the arts these days. I really like how Perry uses a light touch to these heavy issues with quick-witted characters and natural dialogue. Nicely done!

Wow, I have a feeling Ashley is going to end up working for the State Department when she gets a little older! This play would be hysterical if the characters were to played by either adults as children or by children themselves. Floyd-Priskorn captures the girls’ linguistic manipulations of fourth graders perfectly. I love this!

With sharp, clever dialogue, an insufferable diva performer and an insecure novice director who happens to be the playwright’s brother, Ruyle playfully shows us how theatre is a collaborative art form, even when the writer is inexplicably absent from the rehearsal process. I love the references to Guirgis and his brilliant writing, and the idea that a dog and an absurd premise could make it all work. There is also a fantastic line about a name rolling “around” on the tongue. Very funny play!

I could relate to this monologue in many ways. What society thinks about those with special needs and the role fathers play in the lives of their kids, regardless of the circumstances, is a topic that deserves more attention. I am grateful to Darrin Friedman for shining genuine dramatic light on this issue. The frustration within the conflict here is palpable and highly moving. Bravo!

I absolutely love the young man’s explanation of what courage and wisdom are. It’s so simply stated yet so true. Peter Fenton makes us relate to the mundane and routine parts of our lives in a way that makes reflect on our own bravery and wisdom, day by day, minute by minute. The phone call in the middle of this profound monologue demonstrates the fine craftsmanship at work here. Excellent!

Who’s afraid of an Albee parody? Paul Donnelly definitely isn’t, and the audience is in for some laughs. Nick and Honey may have had enough, but there is more to come the next day. Is it all just a bad hangover dream sequence? Maybe, but whatever it is, it’s awesome. Brilliant dialogue!

Call me sentimental, but this Hanukkah play for two senior actors hit me with all the feels. I am happy that the sentimentality is balanced with a good dose of sarcastic wit, thanks to Morey Norkin’s wonderfully grumpy character named Irving (don’t call him Irv). A great addition to a holiday festival!