Recommended by Bruce Karp

Dan West's play certainly takes the reader into a dark, sad world of a clown whose self-esteem has been severely damaged, to the point of committing an unspeakable murder. The writing is superb, capturing Clown's frustration and shocking lack of remorse. The priest comes to understand, if not absolve Clown's actions, and in the end, Clown is ready, willing and able to accept the consequences of his murderous action. Well done!

This is a wonderful and timely play about parental choices and, belief or disbelief in science. Lara's son is having a birthday, but none of her kids have been vaccinated. Mike, who believes in vaccines, won't let his daughter attend the party, which has upset Lara's son and apparently, influenced other parents. The argument between the two parents is spot on; as a reader, you might take one side over the other, but you have to admit both sides are just being protective of their valuable assets.

A lovely play about rekindling first love years later...by an author who writes with clarity and emotion. I saw the play and it works very well on stage. Simplicity, yet rendered with heart. Well done!

Poor Kate, roped into finishing the term of the town supervisor, with no experience at all, and no help from, well, anyone. This is a hilarious look at the follies of local politics, at a time when most politics are frankly frightening. Ms. Rasmussen has deftly juggled all the problems of the fictional town to the point where making things up turns out to be the only answer. Sound familiar? Well done!

What begins as a meeting of a nervous middle-aged man and a "woman of the night" becomes a psychological explosion of anger and frustration. Marvin's insecurities and anger change what might have been a night of release from his failing marriage into a scary scenario which may evolve into violence, after the curtain comes down. The changes in tone are quick and frightening, heightening the tension. You might need a stiff drink after reading this unsettling, well-written play.

The Deal is all about control, and the character Vince is very "convincing" as he swoops in on his young cell mate, making it very clear that he's in for a difficult time, unless he allows Vince to essentially "own" him. One can only imagine what that deal will entail. The dialogue is taut and fraught with images that only make the atmosphere more uncomfortable for the young cell mate and for the audience as well. Well done!

Exhaust is a harrowing depiction of the Holocaust, where a truck driver and his assistant have orders to transport victims to "a better place." But the truck is a murderer as poisonous exhaust fumes are projected into the back of the truck, causing a cacophonous plea for help, followed ultimately by a deadly silence. The truck driver is hardened to the reality of his task; his assistant is not and the fear that he will suffer the same fate drives this beautifully written story.

Alles' time-travelling, film noir-ish play delightfully sends up 40's mysteries (think Bogie and Bacall). Harvey's conversations with his "Inner Monologue" are often hilarious, as the two march back and forth through time, in black and white and color, attempting to solve a murder---from the future!. I applaud the ingenuity that went into devising and executing the plot. Some great lines and images throughout.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and in this case, the protagonist is obsessive about her beauty. The author captures the fractured nature of the woman's life, her fears of death, and also her fear of a less than beautiful continuation of life. This is a very striking story, dramatic and theatrical.

What starts as an apparent troubled marriage turns into a Gothic romantic escape story. This clever twist elevates the story Kaminski has created. The Wife in the play, abused by her powerful husband, The Judge, is plotting her escape, but her husband discovers her plan. I won't reveal how it ends, but let's just say it's not what you expect when you start reading the play. A very theatrical piece.