Recommended by Donna Gordon

An unusual combination of mythology and technology often occurs in Haigney's writing. In this piece, part 1 of a trilogy, a typical but narcissistic college student reads through ancient history to recent times. He has rejected Echo, as in the Narcissist myth, but she comes back to haunt him. The trip through the great books reveals the underplayed and often forgotten role women have played. The knowledge of the classics, including Plato, is impressive, and the technological grasp necessary to create the androids is a credit to Haigney's writing.

Marino's play brings up the question of what "being in good health" really means. This senior concern is the undercurrent of this ocean front bungalow. The family is concerned with Evelyn's future, however long it may be, while Evelyn is enthralled with the present and her newly acquired younger companion. It's obvious in the dialogue which mindset wins because Julie is made miserable by reminders about how old she is, and thrives on the present with the interests and relaxed attentions of her new friend. It turns out that they're a perfect fit for now.

There's a tremendous need for more recognition of the disabled among us. Hopefully the days of setting wheelchair users apart to be shunned or ignored are over. Munsil presents these people in an ultra-realistic light, to bring attention to their concerns. In the process, she highlights the influences of social media in determining the plight of all who are sensitive to public opinion. There isn't a group who would be more sensitive than the disabled, but, in this play, with God's help, they rise above such pettiness.

Very interesting take on the "loaves and fishes" story. To add a modern twist involves impossible preferences for vegan food. Somehow I think there's a generation who really act this way. Or does history just repeat itself? Only the foodies know.

Be ready for some high tech language in this one. Haigney creates a complete scenario, with a climate changed world and bizarre adaptations to this world. Haigney makes all of this believable. The female android
fulfills man's ambitions but keeps her own mind. I don't know of any play more cleverly developed in three minutes.

Nice little dialogue. I would love to see this expanded into the story behind this incident. Why would a stalker ask for forgiveness? Is he crazy? Probably. For sure he's scary.

Such a realistic account would bring the gun violence issue home to anybody. It's not about who is the victim, it's about anybody who could be the victim. This monologue manages a complete story with a gripping ending. These were wonderful people, victims of outmoded laws.

This desperately needed to be produced. "Lest we Forget", let's not forget this tragedy, one of the few bombings on our shores, Pearl Harbor included. In addition to the amazing accurateness of this account, including many unknown details, the thinly veiled compassion is seen beneath the dust and the realism. Thank you Ms. Tuft for being the playwright who put it all together. I especially liked the surprising coverage of the aftermath and the psychology of those in the recovery. New York has a long history and its wisdom shows in this piece.

Personification - remember that word? Hageman does this so well that the reader has trouble discerning the live from the mechanical. An effective way to say something important that many poets have used. Take the real out and one has stark reality of a different kind. Very clever, and yes, the dialogue is just right.

Ms. O'Grady thinks up great plots. This could really happen btween two opposites.Too bad they couldn't have been more mature but Ms. O'Grady makes it clear that there's no meeting of the minds. And that writers are temperamental. I love this literary theme.