Recommended by Greg Burdick

I recently had the privilege of seeing freeFall Theatre’s stunning production of FABLE in St. Petersburg, FL. DeVita’s intimate familiarity with the long-standing sibling struggle of sisters June Havoc and “Gypsy Rose Lee” is plainly apparent in this mesmerizing homage. Seeing June at three key stages of her life: bright eyed child prodigy, shrewd negotiator and holdout, and then remorseful and bitter aging performer eclipsed by stolen stardom, is exploited beautifully in this charging drama.

In “Preparing For A Small Conference in Hell,” Stan is our Everyman, and his wife is poised to deliver a crushing Book of Reckoning. Matt Cowley may well have unlocked some time immemorial secrets about the universe using the simple metaphors of fruitcake and nougat… a wonderful short about our transgressions, and how we can kinda-sorta rise above them.

While The Heirs of Pretending is an unapologetic love letter to the theatre (warts and all,) it beautifully examines the profound cost levied on a family when work intrudes too deeply into their lives at home. The play asks us to look hard at the inevitability of aging, and what we both deliberately, and unknowingly bequeath to those who follow us. Eberlein’s dialogue here can be lightning-fast, but when his characters linger in their thoughts, we’re left hanging on every word… holding our collective breath… wondering what will happen next. Beautiful work.

“Youth For Dark” is a smart exploration of power dynamics between public school administrators and students, and the risks and consequences of speaking truth to that power. Whalen’s play unfolds beautifully, with increasingly clever interchanges between young David, and the aging Mr. Durkis. A Socratic seminar, where the folks in charge get schooled. Outstanding.

This piece was an absolute standout at Theatre Odyssey’s recent 10-Minute Play Festival. Featuring two juicy parts for intergenerational women, “Happy Birthday, Leonard” navigates sexuality, intimacy, youth and aging, as Eleanor and Sunshine finalize the terms of a unique gift. Well written, and loaded with laughs.

In ten minutes, John Kelly delivers a fantastic metaphysical musing on invisible forces that have a hand in our development, our deportment, and our destiny. This piece is equal parts philosophically moving, and charmingly hilarious. Reap what’s been planted here, and consider it for your next short play festival.

A deeply chilling two minutes. It isn’t normal that a play like this is necessary, but I’ll keep boosting its signal until NOT needing it becomes our country’s new normal... if that day will ever come.

A fierce commentary on the futility of war, “Last to Die for a Lost Cause” digs deeply into themes of guilt and shame, honor and dishonor, trust and betrayal, and innocence lost. There’s a palpable desperation present in each of the play’s characters that draws us in, and propels the action relentlessly toward Polak’s startling conclusion. High stakes, unexpected turns, and gripping revelations make for a briskly paced page-turner.

The storytelling in this compelling drama is, (true to Jordan Elizabeth Henry’s instantly recognizable style,) rich with sensory imagery. The stunning moments of elevated theatricality are beautifully balanced with intimate exchanges between two sisters, and a young man from their past. We ache for Riley early on, and come to understand the dark truth behind her panic attacks. A skillful, taut tale that unravels perfectly in the play’s final moments, there are huge opportunities here for lighting, sound, and scenic designers. Produce this one!

Stevensen’s gripping historical dramatization is nothing short of a fierce rallying cry. Bookended by generational victims of eugenics, “The Colony” gut-punches audiences throughout with harsh realities - illuminating the need for urgent discussions (and actions!) regarding reproductive freedom. Briskly paced and smartly written with three meaty roles for female performers, this play deserves your attention.