Recommended by Robert Weibezahl

This riveting monologue captures perfectly the fear and anger and pity that comes with facing the possibilities of a terminal illness—and the clever twist at the end underscores the complexity of our fundamental human nature. An exhilarating piece.

A lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment is layered with care into this poignant 10-minute play. Lawing beautifully captures the child that resurfaces in each of us when we’re thrust back into our family dynamic. This, coupled with the devastating grief of losing one’s last surviving parent, means the simple scenario at the heart of “this proves it” is anything but simple in the end. Brothers Chris and Ken play out their designated family roles in expected ways—until they don’t. Much to unpack in this resonant piece.

Marj O’Neill-Butler regularly captures the indignities of aging with comic elan in her short plays, and GETTING WITH THE PROGRAM is no exception. This eager pack of women of a certain age navigating the muck and mire of online dating—enthusiastically, confusedly, and with a touch of terror—will tickle your funny bone and win your heart.

This fast-paced two-hander is irreverent, bawdy, cheeky, and unnerving (in the best possible way). Robinson simultaneously plays with language and our expectations. Even the title is a delicious pun. I would love to see two fifty-something masters of comic acting sink their teeth into this script.

An inspired premise drives (pun intended) this very funny, prescient 10-minute play: two recent technologies—self-driving cars and working remotely—combine in an unexpected way, refining the way we ride share. Lewis sets the satiric tone right from the start with touches of visual and vocal absurdity and then brilliantly amps up the anxiety, capturing what we all feel when placing our fates in the unseen hands of technology. Hilarious and frightening at the same time.

Sickles masterfully portrays the awkwardness, anxiety, tension and, ultimately, tenderness between two teenage boys as they dare to explore the difficult terrain that comes with admitting your truth. A beautiful coming-of-age/coming out story.

Williams taps into the apprehension and misapprehension all writers face with their work in this wicked short satire. How strongly (or stubbornly) should we hold onto our “artistic vision”? Do we know our work as well as we think, or might others have valid insights we fail to see? Is comedy the poor stepchild of “serious” drama? These are just a few of the many ideas the play ponders while ramping up the anxiety as it heads toward a parting rimshot that literally has the last laugh.

Pandemic neuroses play out with absurd hilarity during a not-so-neighborly conflict over the blocking of the cans on trash day. Sharply observed and painfully accurate. This one would be much fun to stage and just as much fun to watch. Respect.

An engaging little monologue that uses an unlikely, yet oddly perfect, metaphor for marriage. As always, Mabey’s heart and generosity of spirit shine through the deft writing.

This short play offers a subtle yet complex look at end of life issues, petty familial resentments, and the lack of acceptance that can corrode the soul. Baker leaves us with much to think about in this heartbreaking two-hander, not least of all the poison served up in some expressions of faith and, ultimately, the true meaning of love.