Recommended by Paul Donnelly

Ruth plans her own memorial service as a way to stage manage her loved ones' lives from beyond the grave, but those lives are more complex than she had reckoned. The characters who gather are vividly drawn and their revelations and longings, their pleasures and disappointments are compellingly rendered.

Mom's memory issues are touchingly and subtly revealed in this lovely, melancholy two-hander. Jane has clearly been down this road before and treats her mother with care and grace.

Poor Nathan releases his nervousness in an incessant stream of chat. Elise, we learn, is more than just a patient listener. Her final revelation puts Nathan in his place, but also gives him another goal to aspire toward. The dialogue is brisk and engaging, fully revealing these disparate characters.

This play is a powerful example of the pain and betrayal far too many gay lovers suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of homophobic families. At a time when one is already overcome with grief for the death of a lover, it is abhorrent that families of origin can sweep in and exclude one from involvement in the lover's passing and memorial. Sandra's obituary is a real slap in the face of the life James and Ben shared.

A shattering portrait of the devastation wrought on a surviving partner who had no legal standing. He loses his partner to Covid and his home and livelihood to the partner's homophobic mother. His rage and despair morphs movingly into survivor's guilt and the question that has hung over many plagues, "Did I give it to him?" So many resonant echoes and the sense that so little has changed add to the melancholy of this powerful monologue.

I can recommend this monologue without reservations. But Jesus can't get a table for thirteen without them. His detailed requirements for booking a table and feeding his picky disciples are hilarious. Thirteen may be unlucky for Him, but it's a gift for us.

This dazzling comedy of hypocrisy among the polyamorous is taken to dizzying heights by its sophisticated verse. The farcical action builds as the relationships among members of the polycule are revealed to be even more complex than they first appeared. The Polycule is brilliantly constructed and deliriously funny.

This poor father is undone by a discovery made about a beloved children's book series. One challenge to a long-held but mistaken conviction and he is unmoored. His hysterical hysteria builds to a meta-theatrical climax. This is a boisterously funny and thoroughly engaging monologue that would be a real treat in performance.

Grief can be simple, straightforward and raw. Grief can be distorted by context and the reactions of others. In the powerful Lilies it is both. The journey we take with Turner and Marie has engrossing twists and turns, both narrative and emotional. It is a journey well worth taking.

Aunt Nellie's two cents offer invaluable and compassionate wisdom in the face of Flo's disgruntlement with her son's career path and potential spouse. These women are depicted with great care and attention to detail giving this slice-of-life play its heft and substance.