Recommended by Susan Middaugh

Even helpers from the UN cannot be on the same wavelength as those who have lost everything in war. "If you can find hot water," is a memorable line. So is "They ask questions that are not polite." Intrusive questions? Yes. What's most helpful are the practical questions that offer something tangible in return. What do you need? Slippers? Diapers? What this young woman has lost -- I assume -- is her child.

Christine is excellent at keeping us guessing about their relationship from the beginning. Her play is intriguing, well paced, poetic, startling and very well plotted. She compliments her audience by thinking we will figure out the story and the ending. Loved this bit of dialogue: "So they're full of people's energies. Whispers. the rustle of someone taking off their hat...." Deserves to be produced -- many times. Congratulations, Christine, and thank you.

Liked "I've always been interested in fasting." "How did you feel afterwards?" "Hungry." Jane has put a new spin on Lazarus, Judas and Mr. Pontius and a new ending for Jesu. Inventive and contemporary.

Jill kept me wondering who the Old Lady is and the man and woman's relationship to her. Surprising and very well done.

Blevins shows real compassion and insight here. Liked the twist at the end and the connection which seemed elusive. Congratulations.

Very moving and realistic. A real sense of urgency because of his father's situation and the voice offstage. Glad they came to an understanding and said I love you. Well done, Glenn.

The location and the characters pulled me in and engaged throughout. Reminded me of the Christmas encounter in Eric Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front. Memorable and very satisfying. Loved the ending. Glad you've had a production and an award.

In this short play, both husband and wife win--though it takes a while because he has grown and they both love one another. A nice twist at the end. O. Henry would be proud that he inspired this play.

Succinct and powerful. It's one thing when reactions to the gun issue is theoretical and political. Another when individuals encounter the carnage directly. Then an about face. Or we hope.

Realistic conflict between mother and daughter heightened by Hilary's frustration and impatience and their struggle over the covers -- good piece of action. I liked the shift in tone when Jen asks her mother to massage her back and she does. Also Hilary's harkening back to when Jen was a baby, contrast between then and now. The ending leaves the audience wondering as well as Jen, a welcome twist.