Recommended by Paul Donnelly

A play of great compassion and insight looking at the family members who are often collateral damage when a loved one has committed a horrific crime. Blame spreads like a stain inducing self-recrimination on top of public shaming. This riveting play will have me thinking about this family for a long time to come.

The conflict between Mother's need for Julian and Julian's need for his father is exceptionally well portrayed. So much of their interaction is poignant and every beat rings true. The chilling conclusion is all the more chilling for the way it makes sense to Mother.

What a deliciously farcical exploration of solidarity among the proletariat in the face of exclusionary exclusivity and naked classism. It really is a lot of fun with a soupcon of a message baked in.

Bob and Sally's bond is illustrated in this humorous exploration of the first book of Genesis.

A charming portrait of a woman at a crossroads and the simple decency of a stranger that gives her the confidence to pursue her dream. That the woman is Rita Hayworth adds heft to the moment and allows for illuminating references to 1940's Hollywood and to her driver's experiences in WW II.

What a delightful comic romp, involving family in so many configurations! The funny bits continue to escalate, but are grounded in the real affection and connection among all the characters. I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud. I would love to see this piece on its feet.

This play offers a vivid portrait of virulent bigotry being challenged by the realities of a larger world. Gary's prejudices seem so deeply ingrained that there doesn't seem to be much hope of him changing. There is something sobering about these men and the persistence of their attitudes. That they seem so real is most dis-heartening.

The end of the GenX world comes not with a bang, but a whimper. But after that whimper new horrors grow with which the generation feels ill-equipped to cope. This is a stunning reflection on loss and betrayal and the pain of being unmoored.

Divine madness courses through the saga of Marston Moore's untimely demise. The usual heavenly suspects (God, St. Peter) are novely rendered and add to the general tone of sublime lunacy.

What starts out seeming a moving character study becomes something richer and deeper as a startling bit of misdirection is revealed. We are left to wonder when we are sharing Eddie's delusions and when we are experiencing what is real. This is a finely crafted and gripping work.