Recommended by Greg Burdick

John Busser’s short “Under A Watchful Eye” is a holiday kick to the ribs. Angie’s gripping monologue to her comatose father unfolds beautifully, and horrifically. A somber exploration of deep hurt and loss, and how we forge ahead when there’s nothing else to do instead. Angie’s last speech will crush you, and within seconds after reading the final line, you’ll side with her... as painful as it might seem. This is stunning and masterful storytelling.

Everything about this play absolutely stuns. In “Marianas Trench,” Sickles envisions a terrifying world after America’s second civil war, where politics, religion, racism, bigotry, and ideology have fractured blue states from red beyond repair. And reaching across the rift are two young men, desperate to connect with one another via government-redacted pen-pal letters. Our hearts ache for Anzor and Teddy, each on their own private journey of self-discovery. The imagery employed in this work is breathtaking, and leaves room for beautiful stage pictures to be created by designers, directors, and performers. Expertly crafted storytelling.

When a fledgling community theatre piece (directed by Sasquatch,) falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make any noise...? The answer is a resounding YES in the skillful hands of Rachael Carnes. It’s another example of her undeniable comic expertise. Me likey.

If you think that farce can be nothing more than merely brain candy, read this play by Stephen Kaplan. When a woman is clutching at straws to find connection with the rest of the world, she invests her life savings into a party for unfamiliar guests who share her name. There are wild antics, slapstick and cartoonish characters, but there’s something more here... Kaplan shows us a deep yearning to share our lives, to truly share them, with people beyond our social media interfaces. Even if you’re not a Tracy, come to the party anyway.

Channeling elements from Edson’s “Wit” and Auburn’s “Proof,” Minigan has created a stunning portrait of a young woman in a race against time to harness her professor’s experience and knowledge as leverage before dementia renders it useless. This time the backdrop is not mathematics, nor metaphysical poetry, but Shakespeare. Kym finds her journey stalled by much more than just Beverly’s cognitive decline: her age, her gender, her race, and the very academic playground where she envisions her future, all seem to bar her progress. This play is a definite page turner, one of Minigan’s finest.

Catherine Weingarten writes with one of the most singular voices you’ll read on NPX. Her work is instantly identifiable. The outlandish characters she brandishes in “This Is How You Got Me Naked” are frenetic pinballs, bouncing wildly off of one another... each deeply longing for connection in a world of casual hookups. Weingarten’s dialogue is bonkers and silly and awesome... and just when you think it couldn’t possibly be, it turns achingly poetic. Trash bags. Caution tape. Spandex and spoon sculptures. This writer knows how to party.

As an educator, I appreciated the remarkable tension Donna Hoke builds into each scene of TEACH. There is much to unpack for teachers, administrators, and even guidance counselors here... but particularly for students, and the adults they ultimately become. Hoke’s usage of gender fluidity allows us to see this story from a multifaceted perspective, delineating all the scenarios for power dynamics in cases of teacher misconduct. The effect is eerily powerful, as male and female performers must alternate inhabitation of a teacher and student. Produce this play, and spark an important conversation about sexual harassment and abuse.

This is not so much a portrait of a man’s descent into madness, but rather a desperate attempt to ascend from it. When “Concordance” begins, Alexander Cruden is already hopelessly there. Through Minigan’s wildly engaging vision sequences, we piece together the devastating effect that devotion and faith can have in excess. His journey is packed with surprising and satisfying turns throughout. Don’t be daunted by the twenty-two characters to be played by five actors here... produce this, and challenge your performers and audiences with what is a truly stunning piece.

A charming exploration of the challenges seniors face when jumping back into the dating pool, “Gwen Has a Date” juxtaposes old-world standards with cutting edge technology. O’Neill-Butler’s characters are expertly and efficiently drawn in these brisk ten pages that fly right by. Highly recommended for festivals featuring senior performers.

Seinuk’s young married couple, Ren and Rob, must navigate a very tricky moment in these comically awkward ten minutes, and she allows them do so with unashamed dignity. Don’t conceal that freak flag... let it fly. Your partner’s got one too. But you’ll never know it unless you talk about it. This short is a sure-fire crowd pleaser at any 10-minute festival.