Recommended by Paul Donnelly

Awkward and discomforting in all the best ways, this compelling monologue tracks Harper as he comes unglued at his 50th birthday party. The emotional arc is flawlessly rendered leading to Harper's heart breaking final line.

Oh Suzanne, let there be a second pancake! This is a most witty depiction of the end of an ill-fated first date.

The Muse is, as Muses tend to be, supremely unhelpful. But the poor, beleaguered Author forges on, awash in self-pity. There is wit abounding in this depiction of a frantic search for inspiration. Is there also a hidden tribute to Maria Irene Fornes embedded in the text?

A clever premise executed brilliantly. These characters have been put through the wringer by those darn playwrights and yet they wait for the opportunity to be used again. The backstories are riotously funny and the last bit is a terrific kicker.

What a dark and highly comical take on the pitfalls of "happily ever after." It's a wild ride from ditzy beginning to highly satisfying end. Marriage was supposed the be the happy ending, but maybe not so much.

This play masterfully mixes the very funny with the deeply heart-felt as Patty's initial silliness is revealed to be a cover for her desperation. That she finally comes to share rather than run from Allyon's burden, thanks to the intercession of a librarian who has been there, is deeply moving. Get roaring drunk at brunch, ladies!

Well dear old dad sure gets taken down a peg or two. Marty seems put upon, even victimized, but he does a thorough job of turning the tables in this extremely witty portrayal of a most atypical father/son dynamic. Both roles would be fun to play and even more fun to see played.

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.