Recommended by Karen Saari

  • V

    by e.k. doolin

    I laughed out loud several times while reading this short play--a refreshing, slapstick-style comedy that is sharply written with a skillful sense of timing. A painfully funny peek at the female experience delivered in an entertaining script.

    I laughed out loud several times while reading this short play--a refreshing, slapstick-style comedy that is sharply written with a skillful sense of timing. A painfully funny peek at the female experience delivered in an entertaining script.

  •

    This smartly written one-act manages to be both funny and chilling. It feels ever more apt in our current political climate. A highly entertaining read that would be simple (and quite fun) to stage in any short play festival. Well done!

    This smartly written one-act manages to be both funny and chilling. It feels ever more apt in our current political climate. A highly entertaining read that would be simple (and quite fun) to stage in any short play festival. Well done!

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    What a skillfully crafted play—and if you’ve experienced grief from losing a loved one, this play will resonate especially strongly with you. The characters feel familiar and relatable and the relationships are so nuanced—great storytelling. The moments of humor feel so true and emerge at the perfect moments. A lovely play.

    What a skillfully crafted play—and if you’ve experienced grief from losing a loved one, this play will resonate especially strongly with you. The characters feel familiar and relatable and the relationships are so nuanced—great storytelling. The moments of humor feel so true and emerge at the perfect moments. A lovely play.

  •

    I laughed out loud several times reading this short play. The familiar characters are given clear tactics and traits that are way more relatable than their original fairy tale iterations. This accessible and funny piece would be a clever addition to any festival!

    I laughed out loud several times reading this short play. The familiar characters are given clear tactics and traits that are way more relatable than their original fairy tale iterations. This accessible and funny piece would be a clever addition to any festival!

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    This short play will move you, even if you haven't experienced a deep loss. However, if you have, it is likely to resonate that much more. The piece touches beautifully on regret, longing for impossible chances and the complexities of grief. A beautiful and poetic piece of work.

    This short play will move you, even if you haven't experienced a deep loss. However, if you have, it is likely to resonate that much more. The piece touches beautifully on regret, longing for impossible chances and the complexities of grief. A beautiful and poetic piece of work.

  • Karen Saari: That Hike to Hart Lake by Johanna Beale Keller
    “

    This is a gorgeous short play about the power of shared memories and the pain of regret, especially in times of loss. The story and dialogue are tight and compelling. Keller is judicious in her text to great effect. Great example of how good a 10-minute play can be!

    This is a gorgeous short play about the power of shared memories and the pain of regret, especially in times of loss. The story and dialogue are tight and compelling. Keller is judicious in her text to great effect. Great example of how good a 10-minute play can be!

    ”
  • Karen Saari: No Judgement by Arthur M Jolly
    “

    This intriguing play feels at first very "slice-of-life," but it soon takes a surprising turn! I saw this play as more than a piece about generational communication differences. I enjoyed it as a keen look at what we (GenX and Boomers) can learn from younger adults' observations and perceptions of us. Funny and smart play--would be a great addition to any short play festival.

    This intriguing play feels at first very "slice-of-life," but it soon takes a surprising turn! I saw this play as more than a piece about generational communication differences. I enjoyed it as a keen look at what we (GenX and Boomers) can learn from younger adults' observations and perceptions of us. Funny and smart play--would be a great addition to any short play festival.

    ”
  • Karen Saari: Evie and Star by Audrey Cefaly
    “

    This play illustrates the raw, real feelings we experience as the loved one of an addict. The pain of watching them fail and suffer, the joy we experience when their true self shines though, the torment that is the unending loop of hope and sorrow. The loveliest thing about this tribute to the playwright's sister is that even at its grittiest, it's never maudlin, nor overly romantic. It's a record of the awesome reasons she loved her sister so deeply. Gorgeous play.

    This play illustrates the raw, real feelings we experience as the loved one of an addict. The pain of watching them fail and suffer, the joy we experience when their true self shines though, the torment that is the unending loop of hope and sorrow. The loveliest thing about this tribute to the playwright's sister is that even at its grittiest, it's never maudlin, nor overly romantic. It's a record of the awesome reasons she loved her sister so deeply. Gorgeous play.

    ”
  • Karen Saari: Justice, INC by Amy Berryman
    “

    This short play intrigues from the get-go. As the purpose of Justice, Inc. becomes clearer, the story suddenly kicks into gear. Taut, impactful dialogue brings a powerful concept to life.

    This short play intrigues from the get-go. As the purpose of Justice, Inc. becomes clearer, the story suddenly kicks into gear. Taut, impactful dialogue brings a powerful concept to life.

    ”
  • Karen Saari: It's Under Control by Emily Emerson
    “

    Any play that has a character who has a favorite housecoat is going to be okay with me. This comedy hits all the sweet spots a short play should. It's funny, the dynamics between Mabel and the Detective are believable and well crafted and the lead-in to the reveal is just right. Highly entertaining short play!

    Any play that has a character who has a favorite housecoat is going to be okay with me. This comedy hits all the sweet spots a short play should. It's funny, the dynamics between Mabel and the Detective are believable and well crafted and the lead-in to the reveal is just right. Highly entertaining short play!

    ”