Recommended by Paul Donnelly

A charming holiday romp in which a quick thinking woman saves her husband and his holiday decorations from the clutches of an overbearing homeowner's association. Anyone familiar with HOA rules and procedures will find this rings especially true. All others will still be mightily entertained.

Ah, the course of true lust never did run smooth. The awkwardness of a first in person meeting ramps up exponentially between Coke and Denny, but they find their way to satisfying, if unexpected, connection. And that doesn't give due credit to the trampoline.

This piece is hilarious from soup to nuts. The hilarity escalates as the incompatibility within each couple is exposed. The dialogue is exquisitely funny as well as revealing of character and effectively advancing the farcical action. The twist ending truly offers just desserts. It would be a joy to see Destiny is a Careless Waiter on its feet!

A shattering depiction of the aftermath of one soldier's suicide. Twenty-two is filled with vivid theatrical images, memorable turns of phrase, and two complex and compelling characters. This is an urgent story told with real urgency, nuance, and even flashes of humor.

What an insightful, compelling and witty exploration of identity and identity politics. The play wanders the rocky path of defining identity for ourselves in terms set by others and reveals ways of escaping that path through the journeys of seven distinctive and engaging characters. There is a comic tone throughout that buoys the honest grappling with complex issues facing queer communities or, in the language of the play, tribes.

A deliciously cynical take on the joys(?) of modern maternity. As is so often the case, the childless sister thinks motherhood is a piece of cake. Seeing how three children shape her sister's life makes her rethink her own life choices and not a moment too soon!

Two men, one the epitome of physical perfection, the other a humble artisan explore the role and meaning of authenticity in their lives in this stirring two-hander. Each has paid a price to be the man the other confronts. This play uses a fascinating historical event to explore themes of choice, loss, the meaning of beauty, and nature versus nurture through two deftly drawn and compelling characters.

What a truly delightful confection! Sweet Revenge is a hilarious farce with an engaging plot and charming characters. The narrative moves at such a breakneck pace that I almost couldn't turn pages quickly enough. It is a bonus that many of these characters depict people of a certain age with a range of feelings and full humanity.

A psychologically complex story of two sisters, one cynical, one still innocent. The elder alternately nurtures and abuses the younger. The play leaves me wanting more of both these characters and of their evolving dynamic.

The brisk and energetic wordplay in this delicious comedy build to an amusing conclusion followed by an even funnier kicker. This play would be a welcome addition to any festival of short pieces.