Recommended by Julie Zaffarano

"Wanda: A Monologue With a Treadmill" is another brilliant piece by Asher Wyndham. It reminds us to be kind, as we have no idea what others are going through. Also, although it's 2021, women still do not have equal footing with men in the workplace, in society, and at home. Wyndham makes us care for Wanda and thousands of women like her.

Love the dialog in this play about possessing a book about logic. The younger academic assistant uses clear and unemotional logic, while the older professor uses emotional arguments and his position. On top of this, the assistant proves the champion of mathematics. Audiences will cheer for the underdog.

"The Ballad of Leslie" is a sweet and fun two-hander that lifts the spirit. A classic theme with a modern setting that will leave audiences smiling. Nice addition to a short play festival.

"Blue Beard" by Rachel O'Hanlon-Rodriguez is a gripping and intense thriller. Fast paced and tight dialogue. The more we come to care about these sisters, the more we worry for them. Would love to see this play staged.

A poignant play about the human need for survival and the desire for connection even at the darkest moments. How humans use everything at their disposal — imagination, humor, bonding, to survive.

An intense, hard-hitting play about what we currently call post-partum depression. Kate Black-Spence explores women’s feelings and the pressures of society to act and feel in an “acceptable” way about motherhood. A strong and important piece that resonates.

Fast paced, funny, and heartfelt. A world of feelings in just one minute.

I laughed out loud at the unexpected twist. Well done.

Lauren Davenport brings us into the world of Mag and Elise — into their living room, into a day where they are not their best. The struggles and the love of this couple are real and we care for them as if they were are friends. Well done.

A beautiful play about the eternal love between a mother and daughter. Lovely and heartbreaking.