Recommended by Robert Weibezahl

The title perfectly captures this piece: a wild theatrical ride that taps (sorry!) into all Arianna Rose's strengths as a writer--brilliant, rhythmic use of language; a vividly visual kaleidoscope of history; and a keen eye for staging. The written page cannot do justice to Rose's energetic vision. Please, someone produce this gem so we can see it come to life!

A heartfelt and imaginative tribute to a beloved icon and a tender paean to the enduring power of love. This short play packs an emotional wallop right up to its clever final lines.

In this tour de force, Carnes manages in just ten minutes to create a world that is so insidiously terrifying because it is so believable. APEX PREDATOR captures so many issue of the here and now within a timeless story of psychological – and potentially physical – terror.

Dan Taube’s very funny and very clever short play, which I took part in reading in our writer’s group, will have many envious playwrights thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Taube gamely exploits the many conventions of Frankenstein films as he explores the Creature’s understandable hangups in a hilarious therapy session. Anger issues? That’s just the tip of the iceberg. And the final moments of the play are priceless. This 10-minute gem is sure to be VERY popular at short play festivals.

Cole achieves two things so well here—an empathetic picture of economic realities squeezing out the middle class and, more deliciously, a scathing portrait of a one-sided friendship. Paige is a perfectly drawn antagonist—the clueless loser and user that everyone of us has encountered. Amelia is a big-hearted enabler caught in her own best intentions. Juicy roles for two actresses keen on digging into the complex psychology of everyday life.

A clever cautionary tale filled with humor and irony. Bruce Karp perfectly captures the mindset, propagated by the entertainment and fashion industries, that aging is a failing and that self-worth is tied to youthful appearance. We may pity Brenda and laugh at her vanity, but her anxiety hits close to home.

The title of this compelling and heartfelt play refers to some specific artwork left behind by a talented dead painter, but also, metaphorically, to the brave pursuit of an art and a life that are at once fragile and immutable. Williams deftly plays with this metaphor, exploring big questions about the legacy of an artist and the mysteries that permeate even the most loving, committed relationships. WATERCOLORS gallops along like an intriguing, beautifully-structured mystery, then dares to pause for us to catch our breaths and think about deeper things. A rich and accomplished work.

O’Neill-Butler’s pitch-perfect ear for dialogue rings clear in this touching two-hander. Mac is weathering the realities of later life with the sincere, if clumsy, support of his buddy Bob. Their exchange truly captures the way many men talk around the truth while still managing to get to its core. Two great roles for older actors, with so much to explore beneath the surface of the words.

Doris is an absolutely hilarious character, a “little old lady” who quickly sheds her repressed demeanor with aplomb now that widowhood has propelled her to the public library for books on grief … or … sex? I’d wager there is not a single actress “of a certain age” who wouldn’t kill to play this role. I hope many theatres give them the chance! Another perceptive and entertaining slice of truth about aging from Marj O’Neill-Butler.

This wonderfully real dialogue between mother and daughter as wedding plans are made (and challenged) captures many subtle details about each of their lives and their complicated relationship. It unfolds with poignancy and humor and the ending is perfect!