Recommended by Paul Donnelly

How is a bee supposed to navigate between the imperatives of survival of the species and the call of the individual heart? This endearing play makes a sure case for the human responsibility to preserve bees to preserve the planet while also making space for a sweet love story. I hope Bebe and Benny are able to share more than missions for a long time to come.

What a delightful spin on the classic Santa story. Neighbors Susan and Doris mistake Santa's motives to great comic effect. The dialogue is brisk and witty and the play ends on a perfect note of holiday cheer.

I don't know Noir from Blanche, but I still found this comedy, with its meta-asides, its witty dialogue, and its compelling twists, utterly hilarious. I can see how those who love the genre might be more engaged and amused, but I was thoroughly engaged and amused anyway.

A hysterical discussion of Eric's theater-going experience takes on a mystical hue and then bounces back to the still humorous mundane. These dudes and their dudeisms are comedy gold. And it has never been more true that the devil is in the details.

This riveting and well-imagined play captures a horrific moment in history and movingly suggests a difficult and serious response. The call to sacrifice is hard to answer. The play within the play resonates powerfully and, in the way of great art, mirrors life while suggesting larger possibilities. Syran's masterful world building and depth of characterization give this play its strength and resonance.

The spirit world is full of mystery and menace. Especially in the conniving hands of Brindy and Thor. As the collection of ghost animals escalates so does the humor. This is a fun, engaging piece with a killer final twist.

Poor Zach attempts to be the voice of reason but pays an unexpected price. His conflict with Emily is wittily rendered, particularly her rationalization of the theft. This short play is a delight from beginning to twist ending.

Poor Mindy has such an earnest question and good old Dad has a very funny response. A witty and engaging one minute!

This play captures perfectly the rhythms and the foibles of a long-term partnership. This partnership is so solid that they "don't need no stinkin' papers!" A thoroughly engaging time with two vivid characters.

Really, isn't the construct of villainy a spectrum rather than a fixed point? That's certainly part of the wittily rendered argument of Villian as the Evil Queen makes her case and implicates her audience for their own villainy. The Evil Queen is a masterfully rendered and compelling figure who forces us to rethink fairy-tale tropes.