Recommended by Paul Donnelly

This is a powerful depiction of regret for a road not taken. So many good memories of the narrator's Boys State experience are overshadowed by one failure to connect. There are certainly numerous humorous recollections but the cumulative effect is moving and as enduring to me as it was for the narrator.

What a touching portrait of one young man's coming of age, of realizing his sexuality, and of lessons learned. That Superman was an object of lust did not make him a particularly useful role model. This is a work that builds subtly and yet has undeniable power.

A most unconventional, but highly entertaining holiday spoof. The narrative moves at a breakneck pace and the dialogue is just plain hysterical. It includes my favorite Godfather trilogy joke ever! This would be a refreshing addition to an evening of holiday shorts or really any production opportunity.

A real depth of feeling runs under the comic veneer of this charming play. That's not to say it isn't very funny. A little puppy mishap on their first anniversary leads a couple to deal with undercurrents that left unspoken could have eventually destroyed their relationship. Instead we see their bond movingly affirmed.

Ah the lengths to which we'll go to combat writer's block. Jack conjures a very funny duo, a talking monkey and a talking horse, to shake him out of his doldrums. The monkey and horse amuse the viewer mightily, but don't help Jack much. Jack eventually has to find his own comic way out of his writer's block.

A joyous celebration of growing into old age instead of settling into old age. Albert and Amy have the ballast of shared history, that frees Albert to be open to new adventures. I'll bet those will be the best blueberry pancakes they've ever had!

The back and forth between jaded William and bright-eyed Teddy is witty and engaging. Lovestruck Teddy is the immoveable object, William is the irresistible force in this comic battle of wills. Read the play to see who triumphs in the end.

What a powerful rendering of the regrets of a lifetime coming to the surface. And how cleverly constructed. The naturalistic seeming exchange between a father and son builds to a surprising revelation, one that is moving and rings true.

Underneath these characters' naturalistic and often humorous speech roils a powerful undertow of hurt and slights and secrets. Table 14 also illuminates the expectations often inherent for a wedding, both in terms of the superficial, ceremonial aspects and the potential meanings of the celebrated bond. Act 2 forces a reconsideration of all the trappings that often accompany a modern wedding and yet also recognizes an enduring need for ritual and communal celebration. This is an entertainingly profound work rendered with sublime craft.

Who wouldn't want a little sister as generous and effective as Elise? Thanks to her, Christmas comes a little early for Grayson in this tart and hysterical holiday confection.