Recommended by Molly Wagner

"All is Calm" is a sweet and tender two-hander that captures both the magic and loneliness of the holiday season. In Doug and Garrett we see two characters who know one another so intimately that we ache right along with them. Reader beware: This play will entice you to make yourself a cup of "real" hot cocoa when you finish.

With quick wit and sparkling dialogue, "Colleen's Outer Demon" is a fun short play that will have you cheering for Colleen to escape an ancient Irish demon, only to find the ancient demon may not be the worst thing she needs to overcome.

In a world where I often feel like me phone knows more about me and the things that I want it was so exciting to see a play that takes that notion and turns it on its head. I loved how the phone took on a character all it's own and the payoff at the end was just delightful!

A really sweet play built on an intriguing premise - I've never really thought before about the people who will be buried beside you. The characters here are very delicately crafted, showcasing the differences between Fanny and Peter and also the subtle draw. I appreciate that the story reflects on their past relationships while offering hope for something new.

I have always been drawn to the dichotomy between Antigone and Ismene and this play does a fantastic job of examining the feminine power each character possesses. The theatricality of exploring what we as women owe to ourselves and each other is really remarkable and I love the convention of an all female cast!

A look into the (terrifyingly possible!) future where pirates rule the Hudson River as the world goes up in flames. While the premise is incredible, what makes this play even more wonderful are the characters. Each person is so unique and would be a dream for any actor to play - and stage combat for the ladies is always a major win! These characters can be flawed and icky and yet they are fully rounded out with humanity and humor - I was feeling sorry for a hedge fund stooge who profits off of global catastrophes!

I love the way this piece is set up and the concept is a brilliant way to get the audience to realize all of the times they've seen moments like this happen and turned the other way or were somehow not forced to confront it. It really hit me when Lia admits to feeling guilty for making a scene or holding up the audience's night while finding the strength to stand up for herself. So often women have been conditioned to consider the feelings of those around her before her own and I'm so happy she didn't succumb to that.

This short play is a beautiful and heartbreaking examination of the importance of survival, perseverance, protection, and stories. The use of the Thousand and One Nights to offer a distraction and reprieve from the horrors of war is incredibly crafted with characters who are seeking out survival in the best way they know how.

I looked like such a weirdo laughing to myself while reading this play, but I couldn't help it. A hilarious play on words with a wonderful wacky family. (also secretly how I hope my first home-buying experience goes.)

A lovely piece about two strangers coming together that captures the magic of the city.