Recommended by Nick Malakhow

There is something intriguingly deceptive about the central character of this brisk solo piece. We're first confronted, as an audience, by a human being who seems intent on pushing us away but who, upon getting to know them further, we realize is desperately in need of compassion and connection. An interesting exploration of depression, isolation, alienation, and the need for empathy and understanding.

I loved the unity of space. Public transit is a juicy setting for human interaction and, here, it serves to bring people together and also as a nicely-done extended metaphor for the journeys Megs and Casey are on. The other themes explored here--trauma, cosplay as it relates to identity, and reclamation of one's body, among others--are handled deftly and with subtlety and nuance. I also appreciated that fairly naturalistic interactions were broken up with some hugely heightened theatrical moments--namely awesome stage combat opportunities, and Megs and Casey's simultaneous "moving on" conversations with key people in their lives.

When your self-concept is so inextricably tied to another person or a group of people, in what ways are you able to self-actualize as an adult? This question (and so much more) is explored in this text. fontano has created an engrossing and vividly realized human landscape here. In just a short amount of time, we understand so much history within this dynamic ensemble (and their new addition, Danielle), and it's really all through the little seismic changes between them and the nostalgic and bittersweet stories they tell. Subtle and lived-in, with a profoundly potent and well-earned finale.

An intersectionally-rich, propulsive read that captures the both lyrical and inelegant rhythms of human speech in alternating turns. fontano has created vivid and dynamic characters thrust into harrowing lived experiences. And even while he doesn't shy away from the damage done to and by these folks, the focus is always on their humanity and connection. The explorations of the ability OR desire to escape (or not) from one's circumstances, addiction, life after prison and how it shapes one's identity are all incredibly rich. The language is electric on the page. I'd love to see it live!

The mapping of old campy vampire movie tropes onto a story of coming of age, grief, and spirituality is really inventive! I appreciated the way tension built throughout, and I would actually love to see what this would be like expanded into an even longer piece--I'd be eager to spend much more time with these characters.

A super charming romantic comedy that makes brilliant use of video conferencing software as a theatrical medium. I loved the combination of cultural specificity of Ezra's family with the open-endedness of Ezra and Taylor's identities. The flexibility in their casting is awesome, but I also love this as a queer romance. While Ezra's family is farcically funny, I also appreciate how Ezra and Taylor's connection is propelled forward throughout the family's hijinx, both in private chat and through facial expression and wording. Lovely and fun!

An exciting, briskly moving piece that explores faith, identity, coming of age, friendships and relationships between women, and the ways that society pits women against one another. I loved how Hwang explored two generations here. In doing so, she illustrated how familiar social patterns are both reprised and fought against. Emma, Meredith, Jessie, and Christina are also just such fantastic, nuanced roles--teens are so often not treated with the complexity of these characters in theater, movies, and tv. Similarly, Hwang's treatment of religion is multi-faceted and non-judgmental. I hope to see this piece onstage soon!

What a poignant, intimate piece that traces a long-term connection between two friends in a way that feels organic, nuanced, and full. I loved all the little seismic shifts and "near misses" in Faye's and Nico's feelings for one another. Turner manages to tackle large and expansive themes of mental health in young adulthood, loneliness and connection, and grief in providing us with a microscopically focused narrative. I'd love to see this realized onstage and look forward to keeping track of this play's trajectory!

An inventive, original piece that explores loneliness, isolation, and connection in a multitude of ways. Liza and Dale are such vividly realized characters, and the ways they complement one another feel organic. The use of soundscapes; music; lyrical poetry; simultaneous private moments; digital connection; and natural, poignant, human, humorous scenes all coalesce into a cohesive theatrical aesthetic. I'd love to see a creative production team tackle this! Additionally, I really appreciated the vivid sense of time and place.

I found this romantic comedy to be a wonderful mix of wistful and charming. This exploration of grief and death and moving on is nuanced and subtle. O'Grady utilizes paranormal reality and ghosts as a lovely way to explore what is left behind when our life partners die (or move on in other ways), what we take from them, and how we rearrange and recalibrate our realities in their wake.