Recommended by Paul Donnelly

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.

A slightly awkward, but warm and amusing exchange between two high school classmates at their 70th reunion builds to a poignant climax. Highly engaging and ultimately quite moving.

Going home takes on a shattering double meaning in this moving exploration of the balance between holding on and letting go. Jeen's pain and frustration and Zannie's struggle to cope are detailed with honesty and poignance. There is a powerful mix of love and melancholy and hope and despair and loss and remembrance at work here.

Every word of this monologue of numbness and encroaching grief rings true. The specificity of the details are heart wrenching (Oh that Pippin t-shirt ...). I was moved to a place beyond tears.

This searing monologue is deeply moving and grounded in long life experience. The scar on the heart is vividly portrayed and truly heart-breaking. Marj is to be saluted for her craft and her courage.

This is a lovely and poignant depiction of just what love can be and how it can be expressed tangibly. Ivan's litany is true and often amusing. The piece has a moving end that I didn't see coming.

A doctor who can't stop himself from making inappropriate jokes encounters a patient from his proctology practice at a dull cocktail party. The doctor's progressively more alarming revelations and the patient's growing discomfort make for a hilarious mix.