Recommended by Bruce Karp

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I enjoyed Dawes' story about stand-up comics, an interesting subject for a short play. Sharply written, they follow Alyx and Jordan, trying to build up the courage to perform their routines in front of an audience that might not be so friendly...playwrights, sound familiar? I think the story is about making important contacts and overcoming abject fear to achieve one's goal. Perhaps also apt for writers who are trying to break through in a difficult environment. Well done!

Haven't we all had struggles with foods that are inherently bad for us? Where's the fun in giving them all up? That's the struggle that Ms. Rose has hilariously created in this exceedingly clever and funny play. You may actually find yourself rooting for the "bad" foods when snobby kale shows up, pretending to be the food hero of the piece. This is a play anyone can relate to and it should be a no-brainer for theaters to pick it up and produce it. (With a concession stand in the lobby, selling...you-know-what...)

What a powerful and heartbreaking story crafted by Donnelly. Max and Gerald are attempting to get over the death of their young son from a drug overdose and they're handling the process of moving on quite differently. It's an intense exchange between the two, ending in more heartbreak. This is a well-written, emotional journey that would be a knockout on the stage.

I can echo Arianna Rose's comments, having also had the pleasure of reading all of the bench plays. I marvel at how Ms. O'Neill-Butler was able to imagine so many different scenarios around a simple premise. You'll have a good time reading them, too. Excellent work!