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Jonathan O'Neill

Recommended by Jonathan O'Neill

  • Lunch Bunch by Adrian Einspanier
    27 Jul. 2019
    “ A funny and haunting drama about seven attorneys whose weekday foodie club becomes a kind of mythic quest for agency. Einspanier conjures these ridiculous foods which seem beautiful and grotesque against the bleak reality of public defense. Her language is so rich — the words betray the ache in each character, whether they’re struggling with the court system or staring up from the social limbo of Whole-30. From course to course, and trial to trial, LUNCH BUNCH is a beautifully crafted look at the tribulations of NYC’s unsung heroes. It deserves your attention (and many further productions)! ”
  • For Richard, for Poorer by Steven G. Martin
    20 Jul. 2019
    “ This play instantly sweeps us into a whirlwind of cold feet and stolen cake. Eddie’s anxiety is sympathetic — we feel for every step of his manic breakdown — and the feverish monologue that results would be a gift to any comic actor. By the end, we’re probably envious of his luck in love, and wondering what else is written on Louise Hay’s affirmation webpage. ”
  • Doctors and Lawyers (1st Edition Rules) by David Strauss
    19 Jul. 2019
    “ The humor in Strauss’ daily-life burlesque is catchy — we’re invested in the characters, even as we groan at how mundane their adventures seem to us. This would be a great addition to a family friendly short play festival. ”
  • Harold's Island by Jackie Martin
    16 Jul. 2019
    “ The contrast in attitudes toward solitude is very funny in this dark adventure-comedy. Martin mines Harold's contentment and Daniel's panic for great verbal slapstick, and prompts us to contemplate how we'd react to their situation. Are you a Harold or a Daniel? (Hopefully, you'll never have to find out for sure). ”
  • An Actor by Erika Hakmiller
    15 Jul. 2019
    “ Hakmiller’s satire is lacerating. She approaches Alex and Erin’s relationship with an unflinching, take-no-prisoners energy that’ll mortify you on the insolent actor’s behalf. ”
  • Lydia by Michael Kras
    15 Jul. 2019
    “ The smart, natural dialogue is exciting in this drama about a lovesick musician and his weary accompaniment. What begins as a charming banter between friends evolves quickly into something sinister, and each new development in the conversation is explosive, causing us to question constantly which relationships will survive this encounter and which will shatter. LYDIA is a page-turner. It would be awesome to see it staged in a classroom, as originally intended. ”
  • If Everyone On Earth Dies, I Can't Graduate! by L . Jan Eira
    14 Jul. 2019
    “ First, it’s worth reading Dr. Eira’s website and biography. His medical background shapes his writing in an appreciable, interesting way.
    In this play, he takes that hallowed philosophical question — is human life a simulation? — and turns it into a wry, mind-bending sci fi comedy. His clever dramatic structure toys with our perceptions and builds to multiple cosmic twists. At the end, you might question your reality itself! ”
  • Fond Pageant by Michael C. O'Day
    13 Jul. 2019
    “ Vivid while avoiding caricature, and satirical without preaching, FOND PAGEANT spins smart social commentary in the form of a Christmas pageant with an uproarious twist — I won’t spoil it, but I can promise you’ll laugh. ”
  • The Rules [an immersive 1-minute play] by Steven G. Martin
    12 Jul. 2019
    “ A twisty, tense thriller about the fragility of safety. In a neat minute, THE RULES grabs us by the heart and gives it a just delicate squeeze. This would make for a memorable night at the theater. ”
  • Jack Pork by Donna Hoke
    8 Jul. 2019
    “ The structure of this play excites me. JACK PORK’s sleaze-oozing satire builds to a series of images — literally, a photo shoot — we’re not likely to forget. The result is a keen commentary on gendered double-standards in media. ”

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