Recommended by Nick Malakhow

A complex, haunting piece that explores relationships, art, celebrity, and the challenges of moving beyond childhood traumas and regret. I loved the time I spent with Richard and Rachel, and their simultaneous journeys were powerfully realized. I appreciated the ways that mystery and hidden information was revealed as well as how much I was on the side of both characters and their at times tumultuous interactions. The dialogue felt natural and yet also had a beautiful and slightly heightened poetry that underscored the themes even as it still felt like two actual human beings communicating (or not communicating).

Brilliantly realized theatrical sci-fi whose world manages to be so richly rendered by the deft characterization of a small but eclectic cross section of folks. Finch manages to construct an entire reality through skillful showing, well-chosen scenes and relationships, and extremely human dialogue without ever falling into the trap of too much exposition. She explores gentrification and class divides, exploitative art creation, the stigmatization of sex work, identity, definitions of family, coming of age, and so much more in a propulsive and compelling read. I'd love to see this fully realized onstage.

Incredibly written, hilarious, and human piece that explores addiction and loneliness. The ways Nell's struggles are compared to and contrasted with Jeremiah's journey are nuanced and subtly detailed. Williams really conjures a sense of place in these people, and the town of Mystic is surprisingly well-rendered through the eyes of this small cross-section of people. All three characters are multi-dimensional and I loved getting to know them. I also appreciated how all of the dramatic action was based on these small tremors and shifts in lieu of "louder" theatrics. Beautiful, well-observed work.

A compelling and briskly moving piece that both serves as an astute character study and an engaging mystery. Darcy's entrance from the outset and meeting of Siobhan is a great hook for a more expansive and complex storyline about grief, family, forgiveness, and questioning how much you truly know about those closest to you. I enjoyed the theatrical conceit of roaming through time using the prison visitation recordings, and the melancholy and chilly atmosphere managed to be communicated well through action, pacing, tempos/rhythms, and word choice.

Truly exquisite work--lyrical and rich poetry co-exists here with extraordinarily naturalistic and well-observed speech. Levitsky-Weitz examines sexual violence against women and its intersection with family trauma and cycles, Judaism and its evolution, and identity. The storytelling here and the use of time and space is so theatrical and well-executed. The stage images and dualities of Lily/Lillith are haunting. The poetry, particularly a huge and sprawling moment of heightened poetry in the middle of the play, renders both rich internal and external life for Lily, Lillith, and Eleanor. I would love to see this piece performed live.

Beautiful historical work that honors and informs about a human being and a moment in time, while also taking full advantage of the theatrical form to dazzle, move, and entertain. Parks' journey is exquisitely told through a mix of skillfully written, natural scenes, and heightened moments of song. Harrison David Rivers' treatment of Gordon Parks feels much like the way Parks himself refers to Dorothea Lange, Jack Delano, et al's treatment of photographic subjects in the Depression and Dust Bowl--he shows the "difficulties and dignities" of Parks' life in a nuanced, well-rounded way. Gorgeous!

In this piece, McShane examines family patterns and baggage by looking at two flawed characters who need connection. Amber and David are both well-rendered and their ability to be friends, family, mentors, or just sympathetic shoulders to one another is all so very complicated by age, secrets, and struggles with decision-making, mental health, and substance abuse. I appreciated Amber's yearning for control of her life due to her past trauma that she has struggled to process.

An absolutely beautiful, wistful, melancholy examination of a relationship. Rivers makes amazing use of the theatricality of the triple casting in this piece, revealing the inner workings and context of Arthur and Todd's relationship, while never losing sight of the present day driving narrative of their reunion at 51. The backdrop of the AIDS epidemic (and its aftermath) and their intersectionally complex identities give nuance and specificity to the piece. The use of music and dance is inspiring as well. I'd love to see this performed live!

An absolutely gorgeous, wrenching piece that just beautifully combines the heightened ethos of Greek tragedy with lyrical poetry and dance and everyday naturalism. The way that Pearson echoes, plays with, and subverts tropes of ancient tragedy (scene structure, poetry, use of the chorus) is absolutely brilliant. Every single character is so distinct and well-rendered, and the relationship between Cly and Iphi is particularly complex, nuanced, and, ultimately, gutting. The oppressive atmosphere of the Reagan era war on drugs is seamlessly threaded through with poignantly chosen voiceovers and soundscapes. How I would love to see this live!

This is a harrowing examination of rape culture on college campuses and in the world at large as well as the toxic celebrity of athletics. Mohlman makes clear and blistering connections between masculinity, competition, the fear of failure, and the perpetuation of sexual violence. The theatricality of marching band and football is used as a brilliant framing device--it makes me yearn to see this play fully realized on its feet. The large ensemble cast is well rounded and expandable too, making this ideal for college programs. Read, produce, and discuss this piece!