Recommended by Bruce Karp

  • Bruce Karp: I Have No Words

    The title of this harrowing story is apt - it's how I feel reading Martha's depiction of the chaos in her home country. I applaud Mr. Plumridge for bringing her story to light. Sometimes, we'll hear or read a story and think no one will believe it, it's so...unbelievable. But we know this one is true and all we can hope for is that there's an ending to this soon.

    The title of this harrowing story is apt - it's how I feel reading Martha's depiction of the chaos in her home country. I applaud Mr. Plumridge for bringing her story to light. Sometimes, we'll hear or read a story and think no one will believe it, it's so...unbelievable. But we know this one is true and all we can hope for is that there's an ending to this soon.

  • Bruce Karp: Life Support

    Donald has written a chilling and all-too-real account of a broken family situation, fueled on one side by Sandra's sincere, if misguided beliefs that her brother Ben has sinned simply by loving another man, and torturous for Jamie, Ben's lover, who only wants his relationship to be acknowledged for what it is (and soon will be "was.") The ending is heartbreaking, though not surprising, given Sandra's intractability. It's a well-written play that should be seen by people who would likely not want to be reminded that they agree with Sandra. Hope it gets produced.

    Donald has written a chilling and all-too-real account of a broken family situation, fueled on one side by Sandra's sincere, if misguided beliefs that her brother Ben has sinned simply by loving another man, and torturous for Jamie, Ben's lover, who only wants his relationship to be acknowledged for what it is (and soon will be "was.") The ending is heartbreaking, though not surprising, given Sandra's intractability. It's a well-written play that should be seen by people who would likely not want to be reminded that they agree with Sandra. Hope it gets produced.

  • Bruce Karp: To Love Alone

    With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, Martineau has written a sweet play about the high cost and possibly the low necessity of buying cheesy, expensive Valentine cards...and who among us has not done so??? Anyway, a delightful concept executed in a low-key and charming way, that should please readers and producers alike.

    With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, Martineau has written a sweet play about the high cost and possibly the low necessity of buying cheesy, expensive Valentine cards...and who among us has not done so??? Anyway, a delightful concept executed in a low-key and charming way, that should please readers and producers alike.

  • Bruce Karp: Burying the Lead (or Playing Dead)

    Mr. Busser has created an innovative, wacky comedy that will keep you laughing all the way through. Rather than listen to me try to describe its twists and turns, just read it, appreciate its cleverness, and prepare yourself for a roller coaster of laughs. This should be a big hit for any short play festival.

    Mr. Busser has created an innovative, wacky comedy that will keep you laughing all the way through. Rather than listen to me try to describe its twists and turns, just read it, appreciate its cleverness, and prepare yourself for a roller coaster of laughs. This should be a big hit for any short play festival.

  • Bruce Karp: Doughnut Disturb

    A conversation starts out weirdly and ends compassionately in this delightful short play. You will surely like the development of the new-found relationship between Colin and Dominic. (Or is it "new-found?" You have to read the play to find out.) Mr. Weibezahl's deft construction leaves us wanting to know more about these characters, and I also have a sudden urge for a Dunkin Munchkin.

    A conversation starts out weirdly and ends compassionately in this delightful short play. You will surely like the development of the new-found relationship between Colin and Dominic. (Or is it "new-found?" You have to read the play to find out.) Mr. Weibezahl's deft construction leaves us wanting to know more about these characters, and I also have a sudden urge for a Dunkin Munchkin.

  • Bruce Karp: Tiana

    I was not familiar with Mr. St. Croix's plays, but I really liked this one. Information subtly is presented, character traits are expertly dropped in throughout and the ending, where there finally seems to be some understanding of what each person has been through, comes out in a simple and satisfying way. Excellent writing!

    I was not familiar with Mr. St. Croix's plays, but I really liked this one. Information subtly is presented, character traits are expertly dropped in throughout and the ending, where there finally seems to be some understanding of what each person has been through, comes out in a simple and satisfying way. Excellent writing!

  • Bruce Karp: Creative Partners

    As I read this play, I felt Ms. Feeny-Williams was writing about my journey as a playwright. Occasional successes don't cut it, rejections certainly don't, and being ignored is the worst of all. We all question our abilities at some point, but the good news proposed in this lovely play is that we must keep on trying, even though it seems that EVERYBODY is trying to do what we're doing.

    As I read this play, I felt Ms. Feeny-Williams was writing about my journey as a playwright. Occasional successes don't cut it, rejections certainly don't, and being ignored is the worst of all. We all question our abilities at some point, but the good news proposed in this lovely play is that we must keep on trying, even though it seems that EVERYBODY is trying to do what we're doing.

  • Bruce Karp: Wheel of Fortune Reversed

    This is a lovely play, surprisingly emotional to read, that will stay with you after you experience it. Tight, crisp writing throughout. Well done!

    This is a lovely play, surprisingly emotional to read, that will stay with you after you experience it. Tight, crisp writing throughout. Well done!

  • Bruce Karp: The [C]Han[n]uk[k]a[h] Play

    Chaos ensues in this funny send-up of "child brings partner home to meet the family." Very clever twists and turns and I think the last twist is delicious - certainly better than the Manishewitz wine. Enjoy the spirited and off-center quirks and conversations.

    Chaos ensues in this funny send-up of "child brings partner home to meet the family." Very clever twists and turns and I think the last twist is delicious - certainly better than the Manishewitz wine. Enjoy the spirited and off-center quirks and conversations.

  • Bruce Karp: Katharine Hepburn Lived Here

    This is a comedy full of charm and humor, and don't we all wish we could summon our idols from the afterlife and have a conversation about life and dreams? Ms. Curry finds the humor and honesty in trying to find yourself in a tough business where most people fail. (Playwrights, take note.) Believe in yourself and dreams can come true. Good advice.

    This is a comedy full of charm and humor, and don't we all wish we could summon our idols from the afterlife and have a conversation about life and dreams? Ms. Curry finds the humor and honesty in trying to find yourself in a tough business where most people fail. (Playwrights, take note.) Believe in yourself and dreams can come true. Good advice.