Recommended by Bruce Karp

  • Impossible Theories Of Us
    20 Apr. 2024
    It's hard to imagine a more innovative way to tell a story than the one Mr. Mabey has created. The humanity of the characters is special, with the play's characters speaking in simple, heartfelt ways. You can feel the longings, the sadness, the joys, the questioning...the play just floats. A wonderful read and it's already garnering productions and most likely, some awards. Well done!
  • The Good Old Hockey Game
    13 Apr. 2024
    Mr. Alles has created a wild, funny visit to a hockey game, where pretty much anything that can go wrong, goes wrong. A protective mom, a kid who just wants to watch the game and two adults who are more childish than the child, make for a funny look at sports fans and how easy it is descend into chaos, distracted by so many other things that you hardly watch the game. This would be fun to produce!
  • THE RITUAL (ten minute play)
    2 Apr. 2024
    Well, writer Bolduc has written a play wherein vaping is worse that a bizarre ritual involving a potato. Apparently, you CAN make this up, and hilariously so. The blase attitude of the teachers as they watch the ritual unfold is only part of what makes this so funny and original.
  • The Envelope
    2 Apr. 2024
    This is a tense and well-executed study of a marriage going through a real crisis, with crisp and dense dialogue and feelings spewing out in torrents. I have to admit I wanted a different ending...to know what was in the envelope. I'll bet you did, too. This is very good work.
  • Please, Don't Go
    2 Apr. 2024
    Wow...what was it that Alex seemed to know and dread? So much to think about in a one-minute play. A pretty grand achievement.
  • TWO LADIES IN BLACK HEADING TOWARD A BENCH (a short comedy)
    1 Apr. 2024
    This wonderfully funny short play has some comic surprises but is also telling, as two senior women go to great lengths to gain some level of companionship and maybe even love in a most unusual way. As their past experiences come to mind, they waver, but nevertheless soldier on, with spirits still willing. You go, girls! Typical well-drawn characters and writing by Ms. O'Neill-Butler.
  • On the Eighth Day of Hanukkah My True Love Gave to Me
    8 Mar. 2024
    Oy, I'm verklempt from reading this lovely short play. Norkin does a wonderful job of setting up the situation and, though handled simply and sweetly, it packs a powerful punch for anyone who has lost a loved one. Favorite line is where Irv asks how Irving Berlin, Jewish, could write a great Christmas song and asks "Why didn't he write 'I'm dreaming of some nice latkes'. Hilarious.
  • TLC: A Millennial Horror Story
    28 Feb. 2024
    This play could have been called "Money Pit." (LOL) Scarlet and Beth are looking for a house, Barbara, the real estate agent, has one for them. I would hope never to be as desperate for home ownership to rush into the purchase of a house like this one. We're taken on a pretty hilarious tour of this "horror house," but it does bring to light the problems younger people have with home prices and what you might have to settle for to become an owner. Cautionary tale - yes! Funny - also yes! Well done.
  • Luck of the Draw
    28 Feb. 2024
    Growing up, I would never have imagined our government choosing marriage partners and forcing us to marry said partners, but in our current political climate, well...it could happen. The young couple in Kneiss's play face this dilemma, initially rejecting the idea, but gradually coming to realize that love is possible, it's the most important part of a relationship, so they decide to proceed, absent a real choice. I would have escaped to Canada. Interesting premise, well-thought out, good work.
  • At the Wall
    15 Feb. 2024
    What a sweet and moving story this is, as two descendants of deceased military men meet at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, and start a "hi, nice to know you" conversation, which almost turns dark, but in a subtle and well-written way. Ultimately, each character gets a chance to tell more of their story, leading to a satisfying and highly believable conclusion.

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