Recommended by Paul Donnelly

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."

This is a surprising, touching, and convincing mother-daughter interaction. Abby is bold and trusting to make her request and Robyn is loving and accepting to accommodate that request. The world would be a better place if more of us followed this model of a parent/child relationship.

What a riotous mix of modern love and well-meaning parents. This piece turns so many aspects of the "meet the parents" narrative on their head to brilliant comic effect.

This is an amusing portrait of a couple trying to be less set in their sexual ways. Janet and Malcom are charming and credible, their situation is relatable, and their resolution is sweetly satisfying. But most importantly, this is a very, very funny play.