Recommended by Paul Donnelly

A most effective and vividly theatrical bit of agitprop, highlighting Schlafly's extensive and horrifying impact on fifty plus years of public discourse. The irony of her ambition and extensive education is subtly juxtaposed with her paeans to traditional marriage and the woman's "place." The title of her final, posthumous publication provides a jolting kicker and conveys how her influence survives her to our great detriment.

Rachael Carnes presents a searingly comic dystopia and then asks "can we keep from getting here?" A question that proves to have no easy answer. The play includes moments of wit and tenderness as well as horrifying cruelty. The narrative never lags and builds suspensefully through a startling revelation to an ambiguous conclusion that only reinforces the work's chilling impact.

What a hilarious take on the pre-wedding jitters of one would-be spouse juxtaposed with the serene calmness of the other. Although one character does most of the manic, exhilarating talking, there is real balance in the opportunity for non-verbal responses from the other. This lovely play is even more life and love affirming than the Louise Hay quotes sprinkled throughout.

This very funny and quite moving play uses superhero tropes to explore serious issues of identity, authenticity, and cultural appropriation. It is richly layered and quite engaging. The only thing better than reading it would be to see it in production.

Gripping and mysterious, chilling in the best possible way. This is a human and humane ghost story, most discomforting at its most mundane. I'm not sure I can convey the depth of my enthusiasm and admiration for this piece without resorting to spoilers so I'll stop here, except to say that it also has moments of breathtaking theatricality and surprise.

Turns out the odd new family next door aren't Amish as Kevin guesses. The air of menace throughout is laced with humor and real pre-adolescent behavior and attitudes. And the pay-off is as deliciously horrifying as you could hope.

A wonderful take on parenting, Christmas traditions, and the possibility of taking both a tad too seriously.

A very funny play about a most unusual haunting and a beleaguered office worker who just wants a cup of coffee.

A funny look at the lengths to which people will go to not be their real selves on a first date.

A darkly comic vision of a family moving toward healing. Hurtling actually. From the tense and racially charged opening through an explosion of violence to the revelation of painful histories, this play grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go.