Recommended by Donna Gordon

Thank you for another look at a man in power taking advantage of a woman, in the lowest possible way. You'd think this man might subscribe, even slightly, to a code of military honor. But not so. If this happens there, how about everywhere else? Thank you Ms. Hageman, for your honesty and truth.

An effective treatment of addiction, this play in its sparseness, clearly reveals a tragedy. The technique of overlaying dialogue brings a gradual realization of those who suffer, most completely innocent. Ms. O'Grady's play moves almost as fast as a film. It reminds me of "Riders to the Sea", an Irish play.

When I think of some of the best satires - the "Rape of the Lock" or "Animal Farm" (different centuries but the goal is the same) - I'll think about "The Perfect Wife". This is a satire of eighteenth century society; I think Shakespeare is spared because Ms. Carnes seems to use some of his techniques of layering plots. I perceive echoes of Ben Johnson and thus male arrogance is verified. How about the cruelty (can it ever have a reason) toward women? Wit shines from every corner of this stage and all I can say is Bravo!

This is a magnifying take of a moment in time when social order determined everything. Underneath this order the author finds cruelty and discrimination. The four "Mary's" were taken from their families at a young age to serve the Queen of Scots. And they need to be as silent as statues.

Billy Sunday was a great evangelist, indeed, and in spite of his faults, he brought many to Christ. His faults were written about by his nemesis Reeve Munday, another flawed soul. Guess what? They were both great in their fields but they were both very human. Billy Sunday approached the pulpit with grandiosity and an intolerance to doubters. His preaching was uncompromising and possibly anti-intellectual. On the other hand, Mr. Munday was blind to the hope and joy Billy Sunday brought to so many. Munday didn't hope, and wine was his joy. I was fascinated by these two characters.

Definitely for teenagers, this play show much empathy and understanding of this group. I enjoyed it too, as the dialogue moved well and covered some timely topics. With the school shootings, we wonder what possesses a teen to commit murder or suicide. This lead character is an archetype for the disturbed teen, as Ms. Hageman's writing gets inside the mind and family or an outsider, rejected by everyone in his life. And that mindset is shown clearly so that teens might see what can happen. And parents too.

Very thorough treatment of the Columbus story. And the truthfulness is important for the children to see. The songs are endearing. Small children would love this.

A very enjoyable story, a great combination of entertaining and educating. This would be interesting to very young children and might lead them to find their passion in life.

The contrast between the forest and the garage makes for a theme I love: nature versus the filth of man's activities. This is further pointed out by the truth that the natural girl speaks. Memories of violation are not forgotten and, unfortunately, often cannot be talked out. This is prevented by the father's stubborn silence. The theme is important and I would love to see the "forest girl". Nice poetry.

You definitely capture Wendy, in a nice way. I read her biography. It must have been difficult to be a woman playwright in her time. She was an innovator and a brilliant person. Kudo's to women playwrights everywhere, in memory of Wendy.