Recommended by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons

In Steven G. Martin's "Pudding", we are allowed to witness the very private and personal way two sisters deal with grief. And although there's no "right way" to deal with it, Martin bares grief's soul painstakingly and profoundly. In the time it takes to mix instant pudding and allow it to set, we are given an intense look into deep-rooted coping mechanisms, and the relationship these two sisters have to each other, to food, to their father, and to what he left behind. This play is a delicious treat for actors, directors, and audience.

As a parent, this is a horror play. I mean, our job is to embarrass our kids, but to what end? Honestly, this play was so honest, and honesty is the core of the best humor, and the best kind of parenting, no matter what you're into.

The woman in this NYC apartment seems fairly privileged. Then the apartment becomes smaller, and smaller, and scarier, until it’s a prison. But, perhaps, there’s a way out. Michele Miller portrays the haunting reality of too many, who are stuck in isolation, in more ways than one.

If Iguanas could talk, and perhaps they really can and have be excellent at keeping it a secret, this is exactly how I imagine they would. Author is the perfect protagonist, and perhaps antagonist--dutiful, no, obsessive of his human, deliriously naive, and completely ignorant of human physiology, which is of course understandable. The not-too-bright but well-intentioned boyfriend and of course the pragmatic Mari, along with the witty banter and slapstick comedy round out this hilarious play.

If you're not a POC and feel guilt and sadness in the pit of your stomach, you should. This is how it is. So much is said in such few words. We have so far to go. This play should be produced everywhere.

Hoke tackled this one-person show with remarkable finesse! Throw away any pre-conceived ideas about what goes into making a crossword puzzle or what type of person creates crossword puzzles, because this play is so much more. Hoke expert juxtaposition of language, meaning, emotion, and relationships creates an intriguing backdrop for one woman's story.

Such a captivating play! Marchant does a phenomenal job of exploring this myth and creating a quirky and complicated family dynamic that is reflective of the world outside their sheltered existence. And her dialogue is otherworldly. With twists and turns, I still held out hope that the characters weren't beholden to fate.

I was sucked in by the title and genuine need for advice, and got it. Prillaman created unique and quirky characters, a fascinating setting, and a potentially disastrous dilemma, all perfect ingredients for a wonderful comedy, with a morals (I know, morals in a play about Satan!). Children are so wise, be true to ourselves, and we don't need to get naked to fit in.

This play is so beautiful and sad. I can't think of another word besides heartfelt, but that doesn't do it justice. But as a mother and someone passionate about theatre, I felt it deeply in my heart. DC Cathro forced me to contemplate and stare deeply into the face of an uncomfortable, even unbearable situation, and I'm so glad he did. Thank you for writing this!

Ah, sibling rivalry. A love/hate relationship that in this case is literally taken to the grave. Emily McClain cleverly illustrates what a series of misunderstandings and ego can lead to. Anyone involved in the production or who has the opportunity to see it performed will have so much fun!