Recommended by Paul Donnelly

An important moment in the life of an important, but regrettably little-known, historical figure is brought to vivid and painful life in this well-crafted biographical drama. The stakes are high as the good major and her compatriots battle a pompous general.

On the surface this play offers a comic altercation between mothers over a popular doll, but under that surface powerful issues of race, class and gender norming roil. There are two reveals, one surprisingly funny and one deeply moving. There are also three splendid roles for female actors.

Lynn and Annie's special occasion is special in a most unexpected way. Their story offers a subtle build to a powerful reveal and a moving ending. This is a play of real substance and emotional heft.

What a hoot! As we learn from the last line, the poor Scary Monster never stood a chance. This is a great example of the comedy to be found in upended expectations. The person should be scared, but ... well, read it and see.

A clever and charming repurposing of memorable fictional dialogue. It is easy to see why Maggie would be charmed by Edward and amusing that this is not her first such relationship.

Poor Madison really can't go home again. In spare, evocative language, Samantha Marchant crafts a powerful narrative of a mother and daughter who have lost touch struggling to reconnect. Or connect anew. The connection they end up making is dark and creepy and built to with enormous subtlety.

A touching portrait of a woman struggling with the loss of her husband and the losses to her family which preceded his demise.

A vivid take on the seduction of Eve to taste of the forbidden fruit. All four characters are well drawn and each has a clear and distinct agenda.

Poor Mrs. Lennox has to maintain an appropriate professional and nurturing demeanor in the face of some overly literal and some non sequiturish costuming choices made by her young charges. The kids are realistic and endearing and this play is quite charming.

From its hysterical opening image to its surprisingly touching conclusion, this play is consistently engrossing. As stakes raise and change, the four vividly drawn characters reveal more compelling dimensions. It is indeed and unmistakably the play with the butt-plug, but it is ultimately quite a bit more.