Recommended by Andrew Martineau

Casper only wanted a relaxing vacation and thought he and his partner would be safe at the resort, but they find themselves in a nightmarish situation thanks to bigoted zealots who should never have the power to put lives in needless jeopardy. I watched a wonderfully acted video of Sickle’s superb monologue with Talking Horses Productions. If I didn’t know it was by the highly gifted Mr. Sickles, I could have assumed it might have been penned by Margaret Atwood, Harvey Fierstein, or any of the great writers who reflect on our times and make us shudder.

I watched a video of this superb monologue for Talking Horses Productions’ Monologue Contest Season 4. While I thought at first it might turn out to be too heartbreaking and somber to watch all the way through, I was slowly made aware that Corinne is her own person and learns that being wanted is not the same thing as being disposable. I loved this monologue and Corinne! Thanks, Marj.

I had the pleasure of watching a very well-acted video of this monologue with Talking Horses Productions, Season 4. I think Nina Le Fay needs her own series! A witch being kicked out of her coven for becoming a pharmacist could easily be just a punchline of a very clever joke, but Lee Lawing brings a great deal of complexity to a woman striking out on her own and possibly finding love. I would love to hear more about potions and poisons after Nina has a couple of strawberry daiquiris in her. Do yourself a favor and watch it!

I watched a mesmerizing performance of this as part of Talking Horse Productions’ Monologues Season 4. The southern gothic chilliness of this was equally unexpected and unnerving, and I was on the edge of my seat from the moment I learned that this woman wanted someone to die. I loved the mixture of sanctimoniousness and horror, and what is so compelling here is the visual imagery of the demon spirit. Fantastically unsettling work!

I watched this as part of the Talking Horse Monologues Season 4. It does what every excellent monologue does—it shows someone who has an immediate, clear objective and gives us an emotional drive embedded with honesty and need. Combining a first date and a man explaining (or in his mind over-explaining) his ADHD makes for an insightful message that is really eye-opening. Wonderful!

Amazingly inspired short play about the Vietnam War and a surreal draft policy signed by LBJ that speaks to the atrocities of war, anti-feminist sensibilities, and confusing messages about both patriotism and marriage. I love the 60’s take on a Greek chorus with go-go dancers speaking in iambic pentameter! I would love to see this performed!

I was so engrossed with this brief story about valuable land and an old oak tree that represents tradition, family heritage and community. I just started reading “Killers of the Flower Moon” and this short play reminds me of the sad tragedy that the Osage people endured in Oklahoma many years ago. I think this could be a longer play due to the wide scope of the narrative. Well done, Bruce!

What starts out as a typical “how did the date go?” scenario between roommates quickly becomes a quirky, subversive examination of people who have problems with intimacy and establishing healthy relationships. I had no idea where the plot would take me, but I was mesmerized by the unique, unexpected story that Kniess took me on. I would love to see some of Olive’s earlier dates to try to analyze her rather bizarre motives. Fascinating work!

This is truly a play for our times. I love that it’s not preachy and inauthentic. It is a very realistic exchange between a concerned mother and her distracted son (who has many questions about bears). It deals with a disturbing and necessary practice that children must engage as part of the educational process, and this mother instructs her child to listen to his teacher but do the opposite if faced with a real shooter situation. I say listen to mom; she knows best because she cares the most. Excellent!

I love how this monologue gets its message across directly and with a clear intent. It also has a strong message of forgiveness that is quickly sabotaged by the influencer’s blatant request of their followers. This would be great at monologue festivals as well as for auditions.