Recommended by Paul Donnelly

This is a clever, layered, very meta exploration of the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and creativity. Any writer would empathize with MIchele's dilemma. ("Struggling? Who said anything about struggling?") AI seems to be too eerily encroaching to be the answer, but is it inevitable? All the Micheles wisely raise the question without providing a facile answer.

Danny and Eddie are complex characters who find themselves in increasingly more desperate circumstances. Their relationship is full of humor as well as trust and conflict. The specter of homophobia (especially internalized) hovers over both scenes. The presence of HIV/AIDS raises the stakes in the second scene. This is a powerful play that captures the dynamics of a friendship and the nature of their times with great insight and humanity.

Gwyneth Paltrow's head, indeed. Following a seemingly inexplicable breakup, Ben turns to his best friend Todd for comfort. There is much humor and suspense in their efforts to determine the contents of a mystery box which the recently ex-girlfriend instructs Ben not to open until 6 p.m. The contents turn out to explain the breakup, but then a second box appears and the mystery deepens. Or does it?

This is an extremely witty depiction of the lengths to which one man will go to sustain a relationship. And how those lengths fail him. The reversal in the final scene is especially funny and leaves us with a little hope that Sean might learn to just be himself. I have to say the humor in this play is off the charts on my personal Likert Scale.

This darkly funny satire turns the concept of "helicopter" parenting on its head. Mark's effort to sabotage his daughter's pretty much guaranteed college admission neatly parodies the desperate lengths to which some parents will go to gain their offspring admission.

A beautiful and unique look at forming human connections in an inhumane environment that encompasses matters of real life and death, of loss and betrayal, of mercy and decency. Alan and Kate are rich and complex characters and it is heartening to watch their relationship evolve. Even Justin, the slimeball CEO who is truly only out for himself, is vividly drawn. The commentary on corporate culture inherent in the narrative is trenchant and biting. This is a rich script working successfully on so many levels.

This is a vital reclamation of an important part of LGBTQ history. Even as he faces death, Willem refuses to let the truth of his love be suppressed. The courage he brought to resisting the Nazi's extends to affirming his identity. This spare, moving play brings Willem's courage into true focus and leaves us in awe of that courage.

Poor wounded, heartbroken Ella actually needs to see that she dodged a bullet. Cora is the perfect friend to bring her out of the slough of despond into which she has fallen. This is a charming, funny play that is a delight to read and would be a delight to see staged.

June sits in a beautiful field of bluebonnets overcome with grief. June and her father are both real, grounded, and compelling characters. How June is lead out of the overwhelmedness, if not the grief, is the subject of this lovely reflection on the process of healing.

A sweet father/son game of catch advances to a reveal that is moving and heartfelt. The father's confession of his fear is truly shattering. So much real emotion packed into a short piece.