Recommended by Greg Burdick

Growing up, we all dreamed the future held the promise of flying cars. But now, it seems the collective fantasy for what’s to come is Stepford-style sex robots. Hagerman’s work here is startlingly cautionary: she warns about tech’s potential to strip us of our humanity... our ability to love... to show kindness... and, most fearfully, our willingness to connect with other people. An upsetting commentary on the objectification of women, it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before on “The Jetsons.” But it will make you plead: Stop this crazy thing!

Drew Michele has crafted a beautiful meditation on an important rite of passage: questioning what we believe to be true about the universe. This moment can be life-affirming, or it can shake those closest to us to their core. In Michele’s play, both scenarios tug against one another, as Luna sets off for the next chapter of her life. Excellent use of multi-generational characters, and rich imagery that absolutely stuns. Would that more of us endeavored to think for ourselves as Luna aspires to.

Arthur M Jolly takes a satirical swing at one of Mamet’s best known works. He does so with a tongue-in-cheek, Christopher Durang touch... and it all plays really well. Read it. And then go to lunch.

Minigan does a lovely job humanizing two lost souls who might otherwise become socially marginalized. And we instantly connect with both. Sandy, an aging stripper who is feeling the sting of being no longer relevant, and Benny, her biggest fan- who yearns to connect with her beyond the exchange of dollar bills. Their Friday post-shift ritual is at risk, and the play showcases some wonderful exchanges as they attempt to navigate forward.

Delvyn Case, Jr. has a monster of a short play in “DRESSED TO KILL.” As it begins, we’re almost instantaneously filled with dread as Lami makes the final preparations, (clearly against her will,) for a suicide bombing. Manhandled by her partner, as I read I had a dull ache in my stomach... anticipating the worst. And this play does end violently. It’s horrific. It’s unsettling. It’s disquieting. But it will surprise you. And there’s a grim satisfaction in this young woman’s choice. Stunning work. I’m compelled to read more from this playwright.

Pisaturo has crafted a beautiful and touching treatment of a subject not easily talked about. His characters’ words and actions, carefully folded and creased, soar far, easily, and true. At the play’s end, they touch down gently, effortlessly- leaving us to marvel at the journey. Wonderfully written.

If you are familiar with the concept of a “found poem,” you will appreciate Lee Kitchen’s theatrical application of this idea in his clever short, FORTUNE KOOKY. After ten years of visits to Chinese restaurants, 95% of his dialogue is culled from the signature dessert. The story’s premise is simple, but there are immediate escalations and reversals that would make this play fun and challenging for its actors. Looking for a good short play for your festival? “Stop searching forever. Happiness is just next to you.”

Gartner’s play depicts one of those conversations that you instantly want to remove yourself from shortly after it begins, but you can’t. And as you’re forced to navigate deeper into the thicket, regretting it all the way, it becomes increasingly likely that you’ll never escape. But after Kay hears Annabel’s take on a subject that strikes painfully close to home, Kay’s world view radically shifts. Both of these women make strong arguments, and the tension created in the room is remarkable. A sharp use of dialect and characterization yields two strong female characters.

They say that funerals are more for the living than they are for the dead. Hayet’s play digs in deep to themes of grief and guilt, and how they’re processed at times of significant loss. As Taylor and Kelly continually raise the stakes throughout the scene, betting on who was a better friend to Kate, (and aggrandizing their own level of suffering,) ultimately they have to show their cards. When they do, it’s no longer a contest... they both want the same thing: their friend back. A strong piece tackling a difficult subject.

If you want to laugh out loud, (and get the heebie-jeebies at the same time,) check out “Parasite” by Joanna Castle Miller. Just don’t read it before bed... you’ll be itching like crazy, whether you have a bedbug infestation or not. Clever dialogue full of memorable gags. Great opportunity for costume designers. The streetwise insects were a fantastic contrast to the weak-willed Frank. It’s comically satisfying to watch him get pushed to his limit, and the outrageous consequences. This play will get under your skin, and stay with you.