Recommended by Paul Donnelly

A clear-eyed and compelling take on the racism that permeates our history and our present, from the perspective of a man who has had enough. This piece also has a devastating kicker at the end.

Safe is a compelling exploration of the conflict between deeply held faith and deeply felt attraction. Neither is reduced or diminished as the primary characters live out their struggles. Our engagement in the story of Aubrey and Sam (and Jensen and Ethan) is heightened by the skillful temporal shifting in this engagingly non-linear narrative.

How refreshing to find a play in which two characters have a sudden chemistry that isn't sexual. The bond between JoJo and Thad is sweet, but not saccharine. Jojo's interest in the science of chemistry provides an amusing counterpoint to the range of interpersonal chemistry experienced and discussed by the characters.

This complex, compelling and adroitly crafted play is frequently surprising and just as frequently moving. There are revelations that are truly devastating, hard earned epiphanies, and a superb use of Romeo and Juliet to illuminate many aspects of the play's present moment.

A heartrendingly melancholy portrait of a man who has lost touch with his life because of a traumatic brain injury and the ex who tries frantically to get him to connect. Sickles depicts a kind of loss rarely seen on stage with compassion and insight. Our hearts break with Vaughn as he realizes he has not been able to bring Lane back to his former life.

A charming comedy with three good roles for female actors of a certain age. It's heartening to see romance and all it's complications bloom among characters who aren't kids anymore.

A complex and compelling exploration of the integrity of identity. We share Janet's increasing sense of urgency as Alison's intention to kill herself becomes clear. And we understand Alison's distress at the secret revealed by her DNA test. The resolution offers a sense of hope in the efficacy of human connection. This piece also explores the very specific issue of the meaning of Corean identity and of the dilemmas posed by American views of Asian identity in general. It deserves a broad audience.

The witty dialogue brings four distinct characters to riotous life. Really, the laugh out loud moments just keep coming and coming. Wonderful roles for actors of a certain age and a sweetly satisfying ending.

A play that's as smart and witty as its protagonist. A manipulative daughter gets her comeuppance when she discovers just how far her aging mother is from giving up her independence. This is a joyful celebration of aging with verve and grace.

/art/ is a delightful send up of the pomposity and pretension behind so much art criticism. The reveal of the identity of the artists and the nature of their art is a deliciously comic surprise. But then, this piece is hysterical and engaging from the first line to the last.