Recommended by Greg Burdick

What if you don’t have enough wisdom to impart... and the future of human species is relying on you? Three weary travelers are Mars-bound in this absurd and hilarious short by Rachael Carnes. We’ve already wrecked so much beginning with our westward expansion... should we be so bold to continue going up... and out... and deeper into space than we’ve ever been? Carnes seems to suggest if we do, we’re destined to be taking giant leaps backward... to the prehistoric. And Wilma won’t be able to help us. Crazy good fun!

I think most people can remember some sort of urban myth associated with their hometown. Mine involved a mysterious recluse named “Hatchet Jack.” And millenials will probably forever remember when “Slenderman” invaded their phones. Aleks Merilo has frighteningly expanded the lore with his outstanding play “The Hanging Girl.” The story offers a terrifying local legend grounded in a plausible reality. His title character presents wild opportunities for a performer with a dance and movement background, and the play would be exciting for directors with a passion for creating suspense and dread. Highly recommended. I want to see this one!

The outlandish hijinx of Grace and Amy in “Bureaucrazy” make this script, without a doubt, the delightfully wacky and absurd love-child of “9 to 5” and “Weekend at Bernie’s.” Kate Danley’s dialogue is lightning fast. It will leave you breathless, and with sides aching from all the laughs. Staggeringly funny roles for women here, along with a relentless pace, make this play one that you need to put at the top of your list. Farce is usually brain candy, but this play admirably elevates it to macadamia nut status... well done!

Whether you’re a fan of Alcott’s iconic novel, or just casually familiar, you’ll enjoy Donna Hoke’s modern take on the March sisters. She expertly maintains the architecture of the original, but delivers it in a contemporary and theatrical way that feels fresh and innovative. These are not little women, particularly Jo and Meg: they’re rich, full characters with 21st century sensibilities and affectations. This is a strong example of how a modern adaptation of a classic can work for the stage.

"A Million Voices" illustrates the long-lasting nature of trauma... the residual effects... from gun violence. In Chelsea White's gripping monologue, punctuated by bold choral affirmations, the speaker reveals how her faith was tested, but commits to reaffirming her beliefs. The scene's resolution offers hope amid the darkness.

Jennifer O'Grady has penned a powerful monologue examining survivor's guilt, and the limitations of man when confronted with gun violence. This short play, despite its traumatic subject matter, features strong flashes of humor and humanity. An excellent addition to Code Red Playwrights' latest offering of shorts.

Lee Lawing's somber monologue depicts a woman torn between her fleeting faith, and a gnawing need to commemorate the lives lost during a shooting at her church. She is duty-bound, despite her doubt in God, as she is mindful of their souls. Her conviction that there is still goodness in the world, in the face of the trauma she witnessed first-hand, serves as a fitting tribute.

Loewenstern's offering to Code Red Playwrights' latest volume of shorts features a young woman rallying her peers in the wake of a church shooting. Like her, to help in healing, we must allow ourselves to let others inside our circle... regardless of their political or spiritual inclinations... if we are to soldier on.

Wyndham has succinctly pinpointed why arming classroom teachers under the guise of “The Guardian Program” is a potentially volatile idea. The substitute’s sense of calm in the aftermath... and his/her justification for the act, isn’t a story we’ve seen yet in national headlines. But, you can tell that this playwright feels like it is an unfortunate inevitability if we stay the course. Terrifying.

To say that there is an outlandish absurdity to the Father and Son’s depiction in TOILET PAPER is an understatement. What’s more unsettling though, is that they are remarkably, REMARKABLY accurate. Seriously. How do you ladies put up with us... and how have you not walked out sooner....?