Recommended by Paul Donnelly

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,

The Art of Martyrdom (A Comedy) most vigorously frees Hrosvitha from the mists of history and renders her and her work with power and insight. The play seamless melds the humorously mundane, the magically inspired, and the gift of her craft. We are taken to a world, not unlike our own, where women's voices are not valued as they should be, but in which, like Hrosvitha, they continue to create undeterred by circumstances.

Lost soul Cody finds a most unexpected source of rejuvenation in the much older Frances. Frances' vivid history pulls Cody out of his self-absorbed self-pity in a most surprising way. This is an engaging and witty two-hander, with well-drawn characters and plenty of heart.

Riveting and incantory, this play takes us deep into one man's experience living with ADHD, long Covid, and bigotry. His experience is vividly depicted, as are the characters who surround him in both his real and hallucinatory worlds. So much of this play left me breathless and in awe of its bracing theatricality.