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Bruce Karp

Recommended by Bruce Karp

  • The Jacket by Ricardo Soltero-Brown
    5 Jul. 2023
    “ Written with nods to Becket and Mamet - fast and furious, and a bit out there - Soltero-Brown's play brings us a character, Jeremy, who wants to be a badass for an important deal-making meeting, but can't find a jacket that apparently provides doses of self-confidence. At the same time, he's getting over a breakup and through some scheming with another friend, gets both the deal he wants and the jacket, but not the girl. You'll really have fun trying to figure out the solution to Jeremy's obsession about his jacket. ”
  • DON'T SIT ON A BENCH, GET UP! ( a ten minute comedy) by Marj O'Neill-Butler
    29 Jun. 2023
    “ Another entry in Ms. O'Neill-Butler's series of bench plays. (The bench needs to take a bow at the final curtain.) This play is about more than getting exercise, it's about forging new friendships - this one happens in a most unusual way - and it's about not giving in when life takes a difficult turn. You know, when the going gets tough...Wendy is tough and takes it out on "sloth" Noreen, to comic and then practically loving effect. You'll love the wordplay between the two, proof of the author's prolific talents. ”
  • Touch Me in the Morning (Ten Minute) by Paul Donnelly
    27 Jun. 2023
    “ Apparently, people have some very strange dreams...this is a very funny takeoff that has echoes of a Twilight Zone episode and the Wizard of Oz, too. Try to beat that! Also, some very funny lines about sexuality and acceptance, not to mention a humorous slap at a red state. Donnelly has written an extremely clever story with a satisfying ending. What more could you ask for? Hope this gets produced many times. ”
  • A New Newer Normal by John Mabey
    24 Jun. 2023
    “ There are so many things to recommend about Mabey's delightful play. Part Noel Coward-y, part Neil
    Simon-y (you may or may not agree), Mabey's characters immediately come to life and deliver crisp, often hilarious lines - even the throwaway ones. Special mention of the character Beverly, who steals many a scene with her outrageously unlikely statements - or are they? Family and love win the day. I enjoyed this play from start to finish and it's no accident that's it already a winner of a new play competition in Miami, FL. ”
  • ADIOS AMIGO by Paul Smith
    24 Jun. 2023
    “ Paul Smith has written a poignant tribute to a lover slowly departing this earth, using simple, fluid dialogue and gorgeous images. The words clear, expressive and you couldn't help but feel the love of Tony, the friends and caregivers, and even Jasper, the beloved dog, who seemed to know what was coming. I had to take a deep breath and sit for a moment after reading this moving play, which I'm sure will resonate on a stage or on the radio. Well done! ”
  • October Surprise (Ten Minute Version) by Robert Weibezahl
    4 Jun. 2023
    “ I really enjoyed the rising tension between the two women, and, in today's political climate, the thought of a candidate being waylayed by some bombshell revelation is certainly believable. Weibezahl expertly uncovers important details of Lauren's apparent indiscretion and selective memory, leading to a satisfying ending, where very little needs to be said to imply what will come next. Well done! ”
  • Saboteur by John Mabey
    22 May. 2023
    “ Oh, my, a great buildup of tension informs this story of a conversation between a student and his mentor as the student realizes there is something familiar in the mentor's new book. I don't want to spoil anything, but Mabey's tight and nuanced dialogue will keep you interested and, best of all, he leaves the audience guessing what will happen next. You may wish that he adds another scene so we can find out... ”
  • SURPRISE ON A BENCH (a short play) by Marj O'Neill-Butler
    3 May. 2023
    “ I read this play in our writer's group and we all agreed that the play was so well-written with a surprise ending that is perfection. As always, O'Neill-Butler's dialogue is crisp and relatable and engages the reader. Would love to see this play produced, and we know there are more terrific "bench" plays to join this one. ”
  • Sticks and Stones by Dan Taube
    1 May. 2023
    “ Dan Taube has written a terrific play with a difficult theme - bullying, and it's not limited to high school students. The adults are guilty, too. It's a real page turner that I couldn't stop reading until the final satisfying pages. The characters are finely drawn and the situations well-thought out and sometimes hard to read because the emotions are so raw. I recommend you read this timely play, especially knowing what a difficult time teachers are having right now trying to simply do their job. ”
  • ETERNITY - award winning 10-minute comedy by Elan Garonzik
    1 May. 2023
    “ A delightful take on having what you really desire, even after you're dead. This is a well-written, relatable and very funny take on vanity, and eternal love. If only our fate could be like Lilly's. ”

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