Recommended by Julie Zaffarano

What do you do when faced with imminent death? During a vacation in Hawaii? Marcia Eppich-Harris takes us on this journey through the eyes of an unsuspecting couple. Fast paced, funny, moving.

I love this play. The characters are real and developed – especially Mom Dad. We see them from the beginning of their marriage until their deaths – how their expectations and dreams change, dissolve, and reform. Although the structure is non-linear, the play is easy to follow with exciting breadcrumbs. The details are lovely and make us feel present – just the right mix of exposition. As much as I enjoy this play on the page, I would love to see it staged, with the music, dance, and the interesting television. I was fortunate to read this play through #BAPF2021.

Love this fun retelling of classic little mermaid tale that focuses on family and friendship. This play inspires imagination and will be loved by children and their adult guests.

Lawing creates a mysterious world with an urgency that we desperately want to decode. I did not expect the final plot twist, which explains the entire play. I was fortunate to read this play through #BAPF2021.

A fun play within a play. I don’t know who would have more fun — the audience or the actors.

A powerful play that deals unapologetically with race, white privilege, liberal racism, elitism, through the lens of teachers in a Quaker school. Characters are authentic with strengths and weaknesses -- with the desire to do the right things, but the confusion of how to best navigate to get there. Would love to see this play produced.

I have witnessed this conversation so many times and can vouch for the authenticity. Megan Ann Jacobs nails the conflict and gives us new insight. Well done.

A chilling and emotional coming of age and horror story. Two teens are brought together through a mysterious and ancient map. The map’s motives become more and more suspect. As the teens navigate their relationship and longing for connection and understanding, we are drawn into their personal lives and fear for them.

Janis Willis crafts STEADFAST with a different take on suffragette stories. Willis’s style is natural and she sets a compelling story that interests. Her rapid dialogue makes this play a page turner as we wonder if the women be able to overcome their differences and unite for the cause. I was fortunate to read this play through #BAPF2021.

A powerful play with unexpected twists, "The Baddest Kid on Emerson" takes us to very dark places where compassion is absent and disappointment turns to cruelty. Martin shows the world we live in is one we wish we never see.