Recommended by Nick Malakhow

A fascinating, fast-moving play that examines shame, intimacy, and power, and how those things are tied to the gay male experience. Colin, Justin, and Katie are all multi-dimensional characters with intriguing desires and ways of getting what they want. I love the way this piece also navigates time and space, giving it an elegant structure and propulsive rhythm. It ends in a surprisingly poignant (and unsurprisingly potent) manner. Wonderful piece!

This is an exquisitely written human story whose multi-dimensional protagonist goes on a harrowing and vividly depicted journey. Blackmer plays with time and space in a compelling and theatrical way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I can only imagine what a lyrical and moving piece of theater this would be to see live. It's rare to see a piece that tackles the political and personal with such a nuanced and deft hand. Glad to see that this has been produced multiple times--I hope it has a long life!

"The Allies" is a funny and human examination of the evolving friendships between young people looking to connect and feel seen. The hilarious dialogue both captures the nuances of natural speech while also existing in an entertainingly heightened world. O'Leary explores what it means to be an outsider in a conservative small town, as well as what it means to be one who "escaped." He also captures something unique and distinct about the friendship between gay men and their ostensibly supportive straight male friends--an indescribable mixture of platonic and romantic desire, jealousy of those who are "normal," and affection.

A haunting and compelling piece! I read this in one sitting quite easily. O'Leary has captured realistic speech well, mimicking the irregular rhythms of how people talk. All of the characters go on compelling journeys, Daniel in particular. An eerie atmosphere pervaded the entire piece as it explored outsidership; belonging; and race and sexuality in a rural environment in a powerfully intersectional way. The soundscape and visual/spatial sense of the play also makes me feel like this would be an original and unsettling heightened theatrical world on its feet. I'm eager to follow the trajectory of this piece!

A totally hilarious, tender, and weird comedy about love, relationships, and parental anxiety, among other things. The juxtaposition between Dean and Mikey and their hamster counterparts is brilliant. The hilariously written scenes between Jason and Tyson, two hamsters, ironically helps fill in and render Dean and Mikey's humanity. I fell in love with Dean and Mikey's flawed relationship and the nuanced way they grappled with anxieties over becoming new parents and over what that step would do to their partnership in the long run. I'd love to see a production of this!

This is a tender-hearted and intimate play about loss, love, family, and grief. Frandsen has created five three dimensional characters who earn our sympathy as we see them struggle to grapple with and accept tragedy. The spare theatrical world allows us to focus sharply on these individuals and their relationships. The fluidity of time also keeps the pace of the play both meditative and continually progressive. I would love to see this moving play on its feet!

This is a haunting and powerful play about identity, immigration, grief, and family. I so appreciated the cross section of people represented in this play, particularly the distinct ways Nellie, Terry, Ana, and Victoria navigated their Latinx identities within themselves and around one another. Araceli was a haunting presence and her arrival prompted some of the most potent surprises. Not to be left out, Nick was intriguing as well, and his arc satisfying and complex. I also love the visual/aural world Iraheta creates here. It is uniquely theatrical and I would love to see it realized onstage soon!

Equal parts hilarious and horrifying, Giles has created a theatrical world that cleverly critiques social truths and reality tv culture. It also proves itself to be a compelling horror story! Giles explores the internalized shame, misogyny, and homophobia of gay men; the ways they mistreat one another; mental health issues; and intersectional identity within the queer community using a cleverly selected group of characters and some off the charts satire-meets-gross out horror movie moments. Titillation and terror comingle in complex ways that make me consider what we sacrifice at times to belong and feel loved and attractive.

A uniquely theatrical, powerful play that looks at the persecution of the LGBTQ community by examining many potently told, individual stories. The juxtaposition of conversational interviews with the harrowing and affecting scenes within prison and with "story world" is discordant in the best way. Fahmy creates a distinct visual/aural world onstage that whose contrasts help paint a clearer socio-cultural picture. I would love to see this harrowing and well-told story on its feet!

A beautiful and whimsically told story about grief, growing up, and personal responsibility. All of these characters are absolutely delightful, particularly Miku, whose distinct sense of humor had me consistently laughing out loud. Izumi paints a unique theatrical world that is both a singular vision and provides commodious room for actors, directors, and designers to have a field day. I hope to see this touching and funny play on its feet in the near future!