Recommended by Rachael Carnes

History springs to life in Barrett's period piece, that feels timeless in its thematic exploration. As an Oregonian, I had a HUGE smile on my face as the writer grounds the work in our locality, finding humor and heart and bringing women into the foreground.

This play feels so alive. Cathro drops us into a moment that hangs with meaning - And we're off, rollicking through clapping dialogue, two crystal clear characters endearing themselves to us. But the slow burn, the deeper reveal, what this play is saying, its heart, comes on as gently as the rain - at first - and then builds to a thundering heartbeat, asking whether we will carry our societal burdens and normative trappings through this life and into the beyond, or adapt, evolve, and be free? A perfect little play. Bravo, DC.

Bright, bouncy, compelling dialogue pulls us immediately into this friendship world that's about to turn a corner. With a central conflict that's relatable, characters that leap off the page and an exploration of powerful, important themes, Osmundsen's accessibility, humor and charm as a writer is a gift, helping audiences to navigate a new understanding.

I heard a zoom reading of this glorious play sometime in the early pandemic times, and it's still with me. Rereading it just reveals more brilliance. First of all, let's talk about Dang's voice - and how creative and spacious the structures and forms the writer's exploring are. There's courage in the threads this play pulls taut - it's commenting and careening on so many levels, but Dang makes it *feel* effortless. (This is me gently shaking my fist in a "how did they DO that?!" way) It's no surprise that this play's garnering awards and accolades. It's going places!

What a welcome retreat this play is, immediately inviting us into the world of the Green Forest, populated with richly-detailed characters and a dynamic, lively plot. There are precious few plays for youth actors that balance exploring the all-too real issues they're confronting in their everyday lives while giving young actors chewy roles with comedy, drama and emotional range. This play does - and more. It's an exquisite story, rendered with the heart and mind I just adore about all of Goldman-Sherman's work. Give yourself a treat: Read and produce this beautiful play.

I've been working my way through Weeks' plays and so enjoy the writer's exploration of Old/New, and the occlusion of eras and history with the present. The dialogue in this piece snaps, and the set up's unique. A creative team would have such fun building out the costume choices!

Oh, my heart! A wonderful example of how energetically-charged a monologue can (and should) be. Lamedman's character speaks with courage and conviction, diving into thorny realities with all the spirit one can muster, and saying so much in just a couple of pages. A terrific vehicle for an actor to show their range.

A beautiful, prescient piece, resonant in these uncertain times, yet evergreen in its exploration of connection. Visually stunning, with lovely physicality and room for imaginative theatrical invention, this play balances head and heart with aplomb.

A seemingly tiny play - one minute long, maybe two - can be enormous in theme and dynamic scope. This is a great example, with characters that crystallize into multi-dimensions, compelling backstory suggested with just a hint, and deep emotional investment, all in a couple of pages. Wonderful work!

Bracing for a heatwave and feeling the impending combustion smoldering within a broken relationship, these characters bristle with internal and external conflict. Suarez-Pena's dynamic dialogue slings projectiles back and forth, while underneath, pain simmers like heat trapped in the atmosphere. A brilliant short play, one that would be a rich place for a creative team to explore.