Recommended by Nick Malakhow

A super compelling exploration of loneliness and isolation, fantasy, and leaning into darkness. Both Nyce and Jim are incredibly rendered characters, and I love the highly theatrical ways we get to know them, both in their "direct" interactions and when we see them adopt a variety of roles and masks. It's also so amazing how Green renders Jim with such care and nuance and compassion even while unflinchingly looking at him in all of his darkness. I'd so love to see this in production!

This is an exquisite exploration of lesbian culture and history (specifically) as well as key dynamics in queer culture (in general). Namely--questions of assimilation vs. standing out, tradition vs. progress, and the intersection of new understandings about gender and sexuality with old ideas that once felt empowering and important but that are being brought into question. Cotter manages to examine so many huge issues by putting 12 eclectic and well-defined lives under a microscope. I'd so love to see this in a full production onstage.

This play is so inventive and the theatrical landscape so vividly rendered that it just begs to be produced by a creative and resourceful group. The allegorical connections to mythology underscore the entrenched, cyclical, and ever-looming nature of the forces of toxic patriarchy and the male gaze on sex and sexuality. The thread of Medusa's story throughout is particularly potent. The razor-sharp humor is undeniable, even as it unearths and explores gutting truths about the aforementioned issues. I'd so love to see this on a stage!

Beautifully rendered story with a parable-like quality to it. It feels both very specific and set in a defined and unique theatrical world while also exploring huge universal themes of toxic masculinity, family, and gender roles. Gently's journey is so fully compelling and it honors how terrifying his transformation is and how rooted it is in gender expectations while preserving him as a sympathetic character. I'd love to see this fully realized onstage!

Beautifully rendered intersection of three different stories that feel like a poignant, theatrical Venn Diagram. Each act works as a potent piece of storytelling in and of itself and, together, they paint a well-rendered mosaic of experiences and intersectional identities Cahill uses to examine the multitudinous impacts of war, trauma, and various kinds of violence on humans. I'd love to see a full production of this!

A beautiful, sprawling piece that balances sumptuous visuals and verbal lyricism with human interactions that crackle with all of the poignancy, humor, and fire of real and compelling conversations. Solana's journey throughout the piece and the parallels between her, Sierra, and Benita are so wonderfully crafted. The use of chorus is theatrical and widens the scope of the piece. All of the supporting ensemble is vividly rendered as well. The ending is both touching and potent. I'd so love to see this fully realized on a stage, and I very much hope to some day!

A poignant and sweet moment of humanity that also doesn't shy away from the particular existential dread and fear of those early days of the pandemic. Stoppard's play is the perfect thread/extended metaphor to highlight those fears and worries about the present and future. Annabelle and Max are vividly rendered arch nemeses whose relationship takes organic and plausible turns--their revelations and growing closeness feel well-earned. I'd love to see this performed!

A haunting piece about dementia, family trauma, race, identity, and secrets. The specters of Eller's past float in and out of the text in a way that heightens the theatricality of the play. Jaybo's complex relationship with his grandmother, his semi-absent father, and his own identity provide a perfect storm that keeps him trapped in its eye until the decisive final moments. Gabriel Jason Dean balances beautifully observed everyday speech rhythms with spare and lyrical text. I'd love to see a fully realized production of this!

This is a bombastic and intersectionally-rich exploration of how the societal worship of white cis het-acting toxic masculinity impacts queer men of color. The heightened theatrical world is amazingly immersive from the start. Haygen-Brice Walker tackles the intersection of queer male masculinity with desire, lust, trauma, pain and shame, self-hatred, self-esteem, emotional and mental cycles, generational differences...and really so much more. It's a propulsive and quick read that I couldn't put down once I started. The ending moments are harrowing, inevitable, and sad, and I appreciated the hope Devyn provided.

Complex, nuanced work that explores the intersection of faith, religion, trauma, healing, conversations of tradition vs. progress, and more. Zoey is a really compelling nucleus around which the play revolves, and to see her challenge and grapple other humans and her own internal conflicts is engaging throughout. I also just loved how Kira manages to hold her characters accountable while remaining empathetic to them from beginning to end. The contrast of the theatricality of some of the transitions and heightened moments with the hyper-realistic and poignant coda between father and daughter is super effective as well!