Recommended by Paul Donnelly

All roads may lead to Rome, but some are bumpier than others. This comedic and honest exploration of the repercussions of a seemingly straightforward (see what I did there?) invitation reveals family dynamics and socio-economic differences that create a real conflict. I have to admit that I'm with Kellie on this one. I would love to see how the trip pans out!

The Uninvited is a virulent and persistent visitor and is depicted with great power and insight in this resonant monologue. The narrator's description of their spouse's battle suggests the degree of struggle they will face in overcoming the Uninvited. Christopher Plumridge is to be saluted for this honest and harrowing revelation of his own experience. An experience many of us have shared.

What do we owe the people we've loved? How responsible are we for our effects on a friend's life? This finely rendered coming of age story presents these questions without providing easy answers. This is so much more than a standard queer coming of age story, although it explores that story brilliantly. Lee and Shawn are richly drawn and complex young men with most compelling journeys.

"Hell has not the fury..." The fury here has turned to icy determination in this chilling portrait of a woman intent on following through with her intention to become a monster. The accumulation of small, telling, specific details gives this piece some of its emotional heft. He's going to be really sorry he crossed her.

To quote the great Scott Sickles, "Oh my god!" This play is hysterically funny, It's a meta-mash-up of Hallmark family drama and outrageous sci-fi. Once the madness begins the laughs just build and build. Do yourself a favor, stop reading this recommendation and start reading the play. You'll be glad you did. I sure am glad I did.

What we have here is the beginning of a re-creation myth. It's one thing to be responsible for populating Mars, it's quite another to be responsible for repopulating the human race. In the face of the self-imposed destruction of planet earth, will Adam and Eve 2.0 learn the lessons of the past or will they only replicate them? Either way, they won't get much help from the Almighty. Great fun with a powerful underlying message.

A memory of halcyon days descends into a memory of abuse and control as Sophie's parent faces their role in her life. The parent's remorse comes too late to repair the relationship which leads to a devastating conclusion to their recollection. This is a taut psychological study and a gripping portrait of an abuser from the abuser's perspective, and finally a piece of real power and emotional impact.

Even an eternity as Lord of Hell doesn't prepare Lucifer for the special circle of hell that is the DMV. This spot-on parody of bureaucratic arbitrariness is scathingly funny and yet oddly familiar. Hang on to your social security card if you know what's good for you.

What a deliriously funny farce! As the madness escalates so do the laughs, with a tiny little bit of creepiness thrown in. But I want to know what is the thing Joe is supposed to do. How do we know it's really been done?

Wow. This play's transition from rom-com lightness to something much darker and complex is pretty harrowing, but also thoroughly riveting. The titular Cupid is a figure of pathos and his fate is a powerful commentary on the enduring power of bigotry. It is commentary that has sad resonance unto this day.