Recommended by Paul Donnelly

A brisk, engaging look at the frustrations and the rewards of the familiarity that characterizes a long-term relationship. Just when you think they're stuck ...

The equine metaphor perfectly encapsulates the ridiculousness of speed-dating. It is to the woman's great credit that she vows never to repeat the experience, despite the pressure from her mother to find a mate.

The frenzied performers horror at being trapped in a Matthew Weaver monologue is perfectly balanced by the absolute delight of reading or seeing a Matthew Weaver monologue. This one in particular as the meta-theatrical goofiness builds to a surprising and witty conclusion.

What was once saccharine is now salty (very salty) in this deliriously funny parody of a certain holiday classic. This work is leavened with trenchant social commentary that riffs off the abounding wit of the dialogue. This would make a refreshing palate cleanser in any holiday-themed festival.

A harrowing portrait of the cumulative effects of levels of dishonesty in a mother-daughter relationship. The unwanted arrival of a husband/step father leads to a cascade of painful revelations. This is a well-wrought and compelling narrative.

I feel seen. As the partner who struggles to fall asleep I so relate to this comic situation depicted with such skill.

Stan's unwelcome intrusion into Kourtney and Jeremy's evening turns out to include a startling request. The build to the request is compelling and the request itself quite explosive. These are three well-crafted characters propelled into a gripping dilemma and I was with them for every second of the ride.

So much that is so funny is going on in this play. From the hysterical premise, to the eager Venutian producer and director, to laconic Lucas who is surprisingly non-plussed by the odd situation in which he finds himself, the elements of the narrative are consistently lunatic and consistently hilarious.

Sam can't seem to choke out what he has to say and Rachel is too self-absorbed to pick up his cues. The dialogue between them is real and witty. The intrusion of another diner takes things to a different level and ultimately leads to a satisfying and darkly funny conclusion.

What a terrific two-hander mystery. The twists and turns are surprising, but credible and compelling. There's a lot of fun to be had in The Meadow.