Recommended by Shaun Leisher

This play starts out as a depiction of a troubled home life and a relationship among brothers that really want a snow day. Then some fantastical, apocalyptic shit starts so happen. I loved the relationship between these brothers. It felt really honest with all the casual violence and homophobia. I loved the way that same sex attraction was explored in this play. It felt real seeing young men act so vehemently anti-gay while also exploring those feelings themselves. I would love to see this produced.

It was a joy to read a play this thoughtful and poetic and honest. A look at three different pairs of people as they wrestle with Judaism. There's a musicality to the way these distinct settings are set up. They are in conversation with each other. The next set of characters begin talking at the exact right moment and I loved how the scenes overlapped each other. A beautiful piece of trans representation as well. The commentary on Israel-Palenstine was alse really effective. This play need a production NOW!

A play that is equal parts hilarious and heart-warming. A fantastical love story that also has a lot to say about religion. I loved how this play looks at the various reasons people have faith in things like God and the after-life. I loved how this play explores the deep pain that comes with grief and the yearning to never be separated from the ones we love. This play also doesn't shy away from some of the absurdities of a religion like Mormonism and has some good fun with it. Would really like to see this produced.

The Wizard of Oz is a story that means a lot to me so I was very intrigued by the title and synopsis of this play. I never thought I needed a story about the Tin Man's offspring but Gordon has proven me wrong. It's a play that stays connected to the source material but is wholly it's own. I loved how this play looks at queer identity and society's obsession with convincing people they need to be perfect. Some important lessons are learned but nothing about this play felt didactic. I needed a play like this to read today.

I loved the scenario that has been set up from the start here. An apartment fire is everyone's nightmare and heightens the stakes to an intense level. The play might begin very frightening but what ensues is a sweet and intimate collection of scenes between this young couple and their cats. I love that this could be done with a simple set so we can quickly move between locations. The dialogue is so smart and feels very real. The ending caught me off guard but felt authentic too. More plays like this about queer love

Gordon makes it very clear from the beginning exactly what this play is going to be about. This play is very effective at portraying what it is like for women to live in a world that is inherently violent towards them. Direct address works so well here. The way the scene is explored through a variety of angles and options of how it ends was really moving. The playing with genre and tropes was great and brought some levity to a heavy piece. This is not a feel good piece of theatre but it's one people need to sit with.

I feel like this play could have been about any sport but I'm glad that volleyball was chosen. Like theatre, it's a sport that is all about working as an ensemble but ultimately there are always moments for individuals to shine. I loved this play. I feel like at one point Harlem's goals for her adopted children were noble but they have become warped into something so dark. I loved how these characters talk how their relationship with volleyball varies. That ending monologue is a feast for an actor.

This play packs a major punch. I love how it explores religious hypocrisy in such a unique way. I also thought it was interesting how it depicted a playwright that fought against the world's march towards inclusion. The character of Mary is a monumental achievement when it comes to improving trans representation. She is so beautifully written and complex. I found myself shocked by some of the choices she makes but it all still felt true to her character. This play is incredible and will start important conversations.

The playwright makes it very clear from the beginning that this is not a Holocaust play. The Holocaust is certainly a force that looms heavily over the piece but it is not what you would expect at all. The way these characters interact with each other is beautifully crafted. Proof that even people that have survived horrors can be petty and cruel to their friends. These characters are really fucked up and endlessly fascinating. This play might not be everyone's cup of tea but it worked for me and I hope it gets produced.

Hakvaag does a great job patching together text from various sources to make a sensible and moving piece of theatre. Part of me felt like I was watching an existential classic No Exit as I witnessed these three characters struggling to escape what fate has laid out before them. Who knew this play could work without its title character? I loved how much more we get to know about these three. I loved how the environmental themes of the play take on a more prominent role. This is how you get new audiences excited about Chekhov.