Recommended by Paul Donnelly

Four women reveal so much of their differing strategies for coping with their hard-scrabble lives in the lead up to and execution of an unwanted birthday party. At the dark center is Euba, who has seemingly surrendered. She is surrounded by women whose faith and nurturing and willingness to take action buoy their spirits. Euba's despair is addressed through a highly theatrical encounter with a mystical raven. This play is poignant without being condescending and ultimately affirming without being cloying.

I had the great pleasure of hearing this work in a Zoom reading last night. It offers a thrilling resurrection of the reputation and importance of the Cone sisters in the history of 20th century art. The parallels between the relationship between the sisters and between Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas are vividly illustrated. All four characters are clearly drawn and compelling. The complex structure, moving from present to past to fantasy, is rendered with absolute clarity. This is a valuable and engaging historical work.

Clever and sexy, who could ask for anything more? Zeus and Hera unite in their ... appreciation ... of Ganymede and Ganymede accepts that he has no way out. This is a funny and eventually liberating journey.

What a chilling hoot. As Arthur's intentions and attentions darken, Vivian at first seems overmatched. But she proves resourceful and resilient in most unexpected ways. The twists and turns that get us to the final reversal are compelling and full of surprises. The suspense and tension of this piece are riveting.

Elvis at Pemberley brilliantly captures the moony, swooning, life and death confusion of first love. These are two full-blooded, vividly realized teen agers struggling with an attraction that one of them can't admit she feels. They are, in their way, a modern Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, unable to embrace the obvious. Although Regency dancing beats all hell out of the prom any day.

Although comically decked out in his creature costume (the visual would be a hoot), Rico's rebellion on behalf of the creature has ironic and heart-rending consequences. This is a rich and layered monologue.

A woman who has lived a full and complex life must reconcile with her former selves before moving forward to the next phase of her life. The younger selves represent significant turning points and raise regrets for the roads not taken (and for some roads taken!). Can 61 integrate all her former selves and the life experience they represent into a coherent whole? That worthy question is the focus of this rich and satisfying play.

A charming premise, engaging characters, and witty dialogue ... this is the perfect holiday confection. Better than a box of chocolates, but perhaps not as pragmatic as a valentine containing a condom.

This witty play has a depressing truth about the pernicious effects of the internet at its core. Let's hope that heading out into the world will relieve Rapunzel of the lies and hoaxes that have seduced her. The closing image really nails the seductive power of the screen.

I feel seen. This very funny play accurately captures the frustration arising from so many very specific submission "opportunities."