Recommended by Bruce Karp

  • Solar Eclipse of the Heart (10 MIN)
    15 Feb. 2024
    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!
  • DON'T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD, a 10-minute comedy for five actors
    2 Feb. 2024
    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...)
  • Divided Requiem (One Act)
    2 Feb. 2024
    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.
  • THE BENCH PLAYS
    2 Feb. 2024
    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!
  • The Big Sneeze (or Much Achoo About Nothing)
    16 Nov. 2023
    Larry is one who stifles both sneezes and his emotions in this delightful romp by playwright Norkin. Part Philadelphia Story, (tennis and pickleball references, plus interference by other characters), part Kiss Me Kate (play within a play), Norkin creates a screwball comedy atmosphere that keeps the action moving. You'll be rooting for Larry and possible girlfriend Pam to get together and, without giving too much away, you should appreciate how Norkin cleverly keeps the comic suspense moving towards a hopeful conclusion.
  • The Sore Thumb
    31 Oct. 2023
    Pain comes in many forms and for many reasons. In this interesting and somewhat mysterious play, Kirk reunites with an old friend (Toby) who is apparently on the way to success as a doctor and new father while he seems to be going nowhere, which may be the source of his pain. It's an interesting back and forth created by Soltero-Brown, and one can't help but think of the phrase "you can't go home again" as it applies to the relationship of these characters.
  • Next Stop
    23 Aug. 2023
    A retired man and woman strike up a conversation. At first, we're not sure of the man's intentions, but the play evolves into a lovely discussion about art, baseball and movies, with each learning some things about the other. The dialogue reveals the characters beautifully and is fully relatable, with an ending just as you hoped it might end. A lovely play worth reading and it should be a hit at a short play festival.
  • Places
    16 Aug. 2023
    I'm pleased to recommend this exceedingly clever play. Martineau's "Becket-ish" dialogue brings up many questions about reality, rather than inclusivity and diversity. It is funny and a little unnerving, especially if you've ever been the new kid in school. Well done and good roles for young actors.
  • Beldam & Gaffer
    15 Aug. 2023
    This is a funny play with sad overtones, owing to the female character's bout of dementia. Her observations and that of her male counterpart are humorous and sweet, then are repeated, again, a consequence of her condition. The writing is crisp and there is a surprise ending which is moving. Applause to Soltero-Brown for writing about this subject. Good roles for older actors, too.
  • CONFLICT ON A BENCH ( a ten minute play)
    10 Aug. 2023
    Another entry in the author's wonderfully inventive series of "bench" plays. Ms. O'Neill-Butler finds new ways to create moving stories in a simple setting - a bench. In this play, a seemingly innocent conversation between two grandparents watching over a grandchild, turns into a session that a psychiatrist might want to listen in on. Deep feelings erupt (on one side of the conversation) and old wounds revisited. Very clever, worth reading and producing.

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