Recommended by Bruce Karp

  • (Un)Drinkable
    10 Mar. 2023
    Dana Hall has written a powerful story, familiar to all of us via multiple news reports. She's presented a shattering condemnation of government ennui and incompetence in the handling of Flint, Michigan's water supply, and has dramatized its effects on the local population. Inventively staged, this play cries out to be seen and heard.
  • Right As Rain
    10 Mar. 2023
    There is a Becket-ish feeling to Ms. DeFrates' writing which is quite evident in this play. She sets up the premise in an intriguing way, defying the audience to determine what is coming next. The ending is a surprise and the women, seemingly innocent and accepting of their place in a very small world, discover what they believe is the answer to their prayer. What the audience sees is terrifying, rather than a prophecy coming true. The detail and thought process in creating this play are impressive.
  • Storm on Storm
    9 Mar. 2023
    A great premise, well-executed, funny, then ultimately heart-tugging. Imagine being able to end a drought, just by showing up? (I personally can do it by getting my car washed, but that's another story.) Southern California needs you, Norton! Seriously, though, the play provides two solid acting roles and lots of laughs and should be produced.
  • DANCING WITH UNICORNS-a very short play
    9 Mar. 2023
    Going from nightmare to dream, the Mom in O'Neill-Butler's delightful play takes herself out of her stressful world, and, rather than take a long bubble bath, she imagines what it would be like to have some peace, quiet, and the chance to dance. A unicorn happens to be a handy dance partner. A clever premise with a little bit of magic. Well done!
  • A Few Questions
    28 Feb. 2023
    Ms. Feeny-Williams has created a very interesting and ultimately harrowing Sweeney-Todd-like story that will surprise you and delight you for its cleverness and surprise ending. And that is all I can say without ruining the story. Well done!
  • Better Latte Than Never
    17 Feb. 2023
    A fun premise, expertly delivered. (Making inanimate objects real is hard!) I laughed throughout. I don't know how Ms. Feeny-Williams is able to write a play each day. Perhaps she drinks a lot of coffee! However, she does it, this one is a winner.
  • I Have No Words
    17 Feb. 2023
    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.
  • Life Support
    17 Feb. 2023
    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.
  • To Love Alone
    13 Feb. 2023
    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.
  • Burying the Lead (or Playing Dead)
    13 Feb. 2023
    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.

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