Recommended by Paul Donnelly

Two damaged sisters struggle to write an obituary for their abusive father. As they spar over how much of the family dirty laundry to reveal, we come to see just how horrible a human being their late father was. The obituary they eventually develop addresses the complexity of their situation and suggests the beginning of real healing.

How satisfying to see creepy, nerdy Chuck get his just desserts. Grace is the perfect acerbic avenging angel. The dialogue is trenchantly funny and the character development is thoroughly engaging. I certainly enjoyed my visit to this diner.

Three vividly drawn drag queens compete to mourn their late drag mother in this dazzlingly witty short. Their venom is a delightful elixir for audiences. The final twist shows dear, departed Mother Malady to be the most venomous of all. Best known for her somber explorations of moral agency in the Holocaust, Wirsansky here displays a deft gift for character driven comedy. Let the barbed jokes fly!

The struggle is real for all of us with food issues. This comedy of fads and trends and temptations captures the external pressures and internal struggles faced by so many people. A serious issue is addressed deftly and with an engagingly light touch. Jenna's turn toward real help provides a hopeful conclusion.

An eerie and compelling exploration of memory and responsibility. We sit in the dark with Veronica on several levels, wondering who is this mystery man as she struggles not just with his answers, but to find the right questions. The unsettling moment of illumination leaves us with more questions and eschews any facile explanations or healing.

A lovely exploration of family dynamics with all their affection and resentments and undertow. Histories are revealed and current tensions - between siblings and within marriages - abound. These are all layered, well-defined, and engaging characters. The sheer decency of the caretakers who offer the family salvation is moving and heartening. And it was nice to see the titular Country Squire taken out for a spin.

This vivid and moving story explores the unlikely connection between an elderly woman with a horrific backstory and the young reporter who prompts her to reveal it. The play is richly theatrical and ultimately deeply life-affirming as Ruby guides Matthew to confront the trauma and fear and loss in his own life.

The Visitor is an enthralling and captivating creature, even through decades of abuse and misunderstanding. We are left intrigued at why they should reveal themselves at this time and to the
Senator. They are released from the expulsion from their home as they relieve the Senator of her burden. The mystery of what higher purpose the Senator will serve lingers long after her exit.

Dawson makes the terrible mistake of assuming that Alex's silence in the face of his racist ranting is assent. Alex uses his art to make clear his contempt for Dawson and all he represents. This play brilliantly captures the self-satisfied mentality of our contemporary fascists. It is deeply satisfying to see such a terrible human being get his comeuppance.

We hear Dr. Margaret invent a past while we see what actually transpired. The juxtaposition between the two is striking. Far from being a font of loving support, Delores is hard and unyielding and discouraging at every turn. She is a vividly drawn, seeming monster. Margaret discovers her true motivation and her suppressed dreams only after Delores dies. The portrait of Delores that emerges is poignant and leaves Margaret filled with both gratitude and regret. A lovely work.