Recommended by Paul Donnelly

Lisa Dellafiarino Feriend pulls off the high wire act of a farce rooted in tragedy brilliantly. The coach's total lack of a moral compass becomes funnier and funnier until it becomes effective. The decency of the three young football players initially provides a striking counterpoint. The final resolution points up the absurdity of the win at any cost mentality. This is a play that deserves to be seen both for its skill and its message.

When I first read the title of this play I felt seen. But the play, for all of its effective comic moments, is much too affecting to warrant a flippant response. Debbie's existential crisis really resonated for me and Mark's concern and decency were touching. Mark's final decision is on the surface very funny but it is also tinged with sadness. This is a compelling piece with two thoroughly engaging characters.

The Bartlebaums are certainly full of comic surprises. From their plethora of house rules to the things they find acceptable and the thing they don't, they are always goofily entertaining. Poor fish-out-of-water Dane doesn't stand a chance among these compulsive huggers. I raise a glass of Manischewitz in salute to the wit and heart of this play.

Gideon's mission to fulfill his Grammy's last request leads to comic complications and a life liberating recognition. Charming Jax facilitates both. It is a delight to learn about Grammy's colorful life and the advice that Gideon seems finally to take. This play is a real charmer.

Facing a major life decision, Ben need a little peace and quiet on his Italian vacation. He gets anything but thanks to his wife, his brother-in-law, the brother-in-law's girlfriend, and a power outage in the midst of a relentless heat wave. Very funny complications ensue, including bursts of wonderful physical comedy. As in all good comedies, order is restored at the end, but the journey there is a riotous treat.

We see two neighbors in front of their devastated homes, trying to cope with the emotional as well as physical toll of their losses. One clings to the hope for aid, one has become cynical. We then see them in the past, failing to anticipate and prepare for the big storm. The play ends with an ironic image of their enjoyment of the beach that would be overwhelmed in the storm. The neighbors are clearly drawn and sympathetic characters and their dilemma is compelling.

This is a fascinating exploration of the potential for creating robots that convincingly mimic human behavior. Through clever misdirection Busser keeps us guessing about the robot's identity to the end. The prickly test subjects are unaware of their true roles and their interactions are pointedly funny. Under the guise of rich humor, this play raises the prospect of a frightening future.

A seemingly benign interaction on a park bench builds to a horrific revelation and a shocking act of retribution. The natural and engaging dialogue goes suddenly dark in the most skillful way. Betsy's final act and its motivation left me truly shaken.

This is a charming and engaging play about never giving up on life no matter what has been thrown your way. Prickly Ida and recently wounded Willie forge a healing bond over shared history and present needs. These are two vividly drawn and sympathetic characters. I was rooting for Willie every step of the way.

This play has the boldness and insight not to look away from a shameful moment in America's history. The story of General Order 11 and its demise is compellingly rendered. The musical interludes add great resonance to the story telling. The perpetrator and the victims of the order are brought vividly to life, as are those responsible for rescinding and condemning the order. This is an important work that should be seen widely.