Recommended by Paul Donnelly

A lovely play about two women whose complimentary needs enable them to start a mutually beneficial friendship after what first appear to be irreconcilable differences. It is heartening to see these clearly drawn and diametrically opposed characters break through to moments of real connection. It is difficult to form new friendships as one ages, so kudos to Noreen and Wendy for doing so.

Generational trauma can have enduring consequences as Joe Swenson illustrates in this harrowing drama. Dustin loves his kids, but struggles mightily with his addiction. The riveting interaction between Dustin and the ghost of his late father makes clear the genesis of his dilemma and seems to offer the vaguest stirring of hope. This is a powerful and honest play that has left me shaken.

What horrors the Bear recounts so vividly! The immediacy and urgency of his narrative gripped me by the heart and didn't let go. The Bear's slightly skewed perspective adds another layer of poignancy to his description of events that we understand only too well.

What a worthy successor to the charming "Backyard Stonehenge." Underneath Mrs. Ferria's comic obsession with regaining her "stolen" stones at an ungodly early hour of the morning lies the unspoken fear of a woman afraid of losing control of her life as she ages. Mrs. Ferria is attended by her long-suffering nephew who is a model of decency and compassion, but who wants her to take steps to deal with the effects of her aging. This play moves from a comedic set up to a moving conclusion, followed by a kicker reference to the earlier play.

This play gives rich and glorious voice to Elizabeth of York who manipulates the great manipulator, Richard III. This is a portrait of a woman of great cleverness and self-possession rendered in the most wonderful blank verse. This play is quite an accomplishment on many levels.

An exasperated teacher seems to reach her breaking point with a clueless and disengaged set of parents. Her remarks are spot on and very witty. The final beats bring a dose of cold reality to the proceedings. This monologue offers a disheartening, but honest perspective on the state of education today.

E.M. Forster's dictum "only connect" takes on real urgency in this poignant and surprisingly funny end of life journey shared by two soldiers. They start out at cross-purposes in every conceivable way, yet dire circumstance enable them to form a sustaining bond. This is a moving and affirming work.

I had the pleasure of hearing this play read on Gather by the Ghost Light (an invaluable theatre podcast). From the novel. almost ominous set up through the awkward initial conversation to the ultimate spark of an unlikely friendship, this play is fresh and engaging. The subtext of how difficult it is to form adult friendships adds weight and depth to the characters' humorous interaction.

A chance encounter allows powerfully wounded feelings to surface for a young woman who has seen a friendship dissipate. Clearly friendships can devolve as well as evolve, but not without causing damage. The opportunity to vent feelings can also be potentially life-saving.

The best sort of farce, a simple premise building to inspired lunacy. The musical theatre and pop culture references are a particular treat. Five stars, indeed!