Recommended by Nick Malakhow

A complex variation on the "prodigal child" story--in fact no character in this piece gets off as either a hero or a villain. Jo and Simon's relationship, in particular, is nuanced and compelling. A searing look at how family trauma informs relationships. While we see Jo and Simon perpetuate some of the harm done to them, the ambiguity of the ending allows for us to imagine a world where they escape the cycles they've been trapped in. The dialogue is human and characterized by the unique irregularities of natural speech.

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.

I really appreciated the ways this piece both leaned into and subverted the ideas, subplots, and tropes from "The Odyssey." Two particular subversions that were awesome--(1) Homer's epic lifts up the individual "heroism" of problematic Odysseus, whereas Des's journey is about both finding community and individuality, and (2) the juxtaposition of Odysseus returning to "normalcy" vs. Des discovering home in found family. I also loved the echoes of Greek theater--the presence of a chorus and clever double/triple-casting. I'd love to see this piece realized onstage! Potential for movement and creative direction abounds within it!

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!