Recommended by Bruce Karp

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.