Recommended by Paul Donnelly

Well Derrick's persnickety preferences are certainly more amusing to listeners than to the poor harried tea room server. One also feels for his long-suffering wife. This is certainly a most amusing confection.

What a witty exploration of a mother's discovering the true nature of her young son's imaginary friend! The juxtaposition of her frustration and his earnestness grounds the narrative as it evolves into the delightfully fantastical.

What a lovely example of the power of simple human decency. Burt learns the depth of his worth, despite his diminished work circumstance and Alice learns that "there are still good men in the world." Theirs is a simple, yet moving, exchange.

The denizens of Argo734325 are as shocked and mystified by the reversal of Roe v. Wade and its hideous impact as are so many of us on Earth. Despite some slight misapprehensions of Earthly culture (their only direct exposure was Woodstock), these aliens hit the perfect note of outrage. I hope it doesn't take an alien invasion to set things right again.

Who knew the end of the known universe (again) could be so funny? The witty Narrator keeps us in our place as they keep us informed, while Mitchel and Nyarlathotep keep us engaged with their highly consequential philosophical musing. The final kicker brought a smile to my doomed face.

A lovely meditation on generational inheritance and family curses that can't be undone. Simon's search is full of magic and the truth he finds is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. This monologue and all its fantastical aspects brings the sort of joy that Simon ultimately seeks to impart.

This charming play and its endearing elder cast turns out to have real emotional heft. I have to say I joined Sheila in being a little misty-eyed. Light the last candle, indeed, the lasting oil was only the first Hanukkah miracle.

Talk about gripping. The tension between George and Hal is electric, charged by the fresh wound of their break-up. Each is clearly drawn and their differences are clearly delineated. This piece also gains power from its vivid theatricality. I have to come back to gripping to describe this play, It builds in compelling intensity from the first beat to the last.

Like Ally, this was my NPX featured play. I am so glad I decided to check it out. The Wish is just heart-breaking and so filled with relatable longing.

What part of marriage isn't a negotiation? Successful intimacy certainly requires negotiation, as Verne learns. Elle has definite ideas about improving their sex life and Verne has to struggle mightily to attempt to accommodate them. Their exchange is great fun to witness,