Recommended by Paul Donnelly

Even the best relationships hit periods of stagnation. Bailey and Trip's stagnation is honestly and engagingly depicted. Their journey out of their stagnation is progressively funnier until Bailey has cold feet. The final resolution is sweet and satisfying, but this play is great fun throughout.

A very, very funny riff on the adventures of Captain Kirk not depicted in the television show. The stories of the Children of Captain Kirk escalate riotously to the final payoff. This is a witty, if affectionate, takedown of the saga of Captain Kirk that should delight any Trekkie.

This charming fable has many levels of magic at play. There is the obvious magic of the bottomless matzo bowl, but also the magic of Wyatt and Gigi's connection and the magic of Wyatt's conscience. Wyatt is such a delightfully drawn character, so mischievous and curious. It is a pleasure to share his and Gigi's company as he has his little adventure.

The impending end of the world gives Gary and Sam a chance to reimagine their lives. And what a tender and lyrical reimagining it is. Missed opportunities are seized and life plays out in a state of extended bliss. And we finally arrive at the miraculous discovery that the end of one world leads to the creation of another. This play offers a lovely vision compellingly depicted.

This tender and harrowing memory play celebrates the enduring connection between twin sisters whose lives have taken different paths. As the existence of this play illustrates, one has found her voice and her calling while the other is plagued by addiction. One knows the pain of loving an addict. One knows the pain of trying to find her way out of addiction. Their memories are leavened with delinquent adventures and bursts of humor (I will never again hear the name Cam Newton without smiling).

From her nervous interrogation of the delivery man to her final embrace of "John," Moira's journey is delightfully engaging. That John is able to adjust his communication setting to accommodate ASL suggests he and Moira could be well-matched. So what if he's a robot. He may give Moira a needed sense of agency that she can carry into other intimate connections.

It is a lovely surprise to watch the connection grow between Madam Comet and Belle. A palm reading is certainly a unique setting for a budding romance. This sweet and utterly charming play builds to a most satisfying conclusion.

The narcissistic conventions of the baby/bridal shower industrial complex are artfully skewered in this darkly amusing comedy. There is an undercurrent of melancholy that occasionally breaks through the surface to give the piece its emotional heft. I imagine this piece would leave an audience breathless with laughter while also being moved by Andrea's sense of loss under the hilarity.

A riveting exploration of a split personality protecting itself from shame and guilt. The internal division and external conjunction of Kate and Katie are vivid and harrowing. The truth that is being buried has multiple horrific aspects. This is a piece that will stick with viewers long after the lights have faded.

Visually riotous with an undertow of melancholy, this short piece captures the loss of intimacy and connection that was one of the hallmarks of the pandemic.