Recommended by Donna Gordon

Sex trafficking is a subject that desperately needs exposure - in the media, magazines and here, in the theater. I applaud Palmquist for tackling this problem which is often swept under the carpet. Palmquist is especially effective in showing the change of personality that occurs in a girl who is trafficked. She also shows the bewildered adult who tries to understand the teen but fails to relate. Teens who cannot see any future for themselves are victimized by clever sex dealers. This destructive bargain is seen in full view.

A good spy tale in the WWII genre. This story moves with an exciting, sometimes erratic pace and dialogue. I would imagine Nancy's life was most enjoyed at this accelerated pace, so this is true to her character. Bublitz makes unimaginable risk taking accessible and believable. Without hyperbole, Bublitz's rendering is an apt tribute to a fascinating woman. We get the inimitable courage of this heroine. What a treat to see this staged.

This play has it all - great drama, gripping dialogue, beautiful theatricality (the jacarandas and the medialunas especially). Above all, it reveals the tragedy ideals bring to the innocent, ideals that ignore compassion. A message we need to hear over and over, Walker's play shows simple people caught up in complex times. And this message cannot be objective; as it is here, it is a message that must be told with truth and courage. A situation is never too complex to be seen in the light of the basic human right of justice.

A fascinating mix of computers and food - no, not advertisement. But, instead, the "GoggleBox" that expands writing and tracks it and that Minna carelessly operates. Though Daria is the cook and not the writer, she gets the tablet menu. The mixing and blending here shows Haigney's interest in the future of technology, and this sci fi take would interest any savy audience.

Walker illustrates the effect murderous political agendas have on their victims. These effects don't end with one generation, but are an undeserved curse to the descendants. The meaningful theme of families who lose their newborns reverberates to many, who could claim many causes for this misfortune. We can learn from the tragedies experienced in other countries and try to insure that history does not repeat itself. Walker's play has a wide scope and needs to be produced.

Again, Hageman gives teenagers the voice they need, in high volume. I enjoyed the two contrasting environments and dialogue that represented each place. The main character, Marty, goes through some serious development here: it wasn't until the end that I realized how much she needed to grow. The therapist's roll is well-developed and believable. A realistic touch becomes inventive and theatrical with Hageman's dialogue and structure.

A clever "all ages" play, that includes the very young audiences. The costuming could be wonderful. The scope of the satire is amazing for such a short play. Beardsley has elevated anthropology into a trending topic as he questions whether every era has its earth-shattering challenges.

Hageman again wins as she enters the hearts and minds of teenagers. The use of voices from the dead vividly depict the bloody effects of school shootings. A message emerges from the mayhem and should resonate with any caring person. The dialogue is well-worth the effort as it gives a voice to the unspeakable effects these shootings have on the impressionable. Students are never ready for this violence. Please produce this and, ultimately soothe the grieving.

The palpable satire Macdonald brings to the stage causes many of us to recollect dorm life, with its jokesters and depressives. The absence of any didacticism and, instead, the bitter humor will jolt any audience out of their apathy toward campus life (or, sadly, death). Students stay suspended in their youthful angst. The desperation goes unnoticed and brings new meaning to the branding "struggling student". In style, an unusual take which will influence the usual.

The apparitions/puppets have the intended effects of embodying Elizabeth's sacrifices at the altar of power. When Grace the infamous Irish aristocrat turned pirate visits Elizabeth, they get into a profound discussion of women in positions of power. The inevitable confrontation between the male followers of these leaders in in stark contrast to the understanding between the women. Beardsley's insightful look at such differences would delight any audience who appreciates history relevant to our times. Any audience would like Beardsley's wit and colorful language.