Recommended by Dave Osmundsen

A FABULOUS satire that has everything from Mormons to multi-level-marketing schemes to true crime podcasts to academics to corporate jobs to, yes, murder. Alternatively funny and horrifying, "MLM is for Murder" is a deceptively complex take on what happens when we choose to fight against the prescribed narratives of our lives. Bavoso is savvy enough to cast his story in shades of gray, highlighting the moral ambiguities of his characters' actions--when a character attains success, there are always consequences. A blast to read, and a play I can't wait to see staged!

Edward Albee meets Samuel D. Hunter. A wonderful play about the lengths we will go to to connect with others. The snappy, fast-paced dialogue and bordering-on-absurd premise has the ability to make you laugh one minute and hold back tears the next. Kaplan also does a great job of playing with the expectations of both the audience and the characters. By turns hilarious and pathetic, we root for them to connect while cringe at their faltering attempts to do so. I can't wait to see this play onstage!

/art/ is a wicked, vicious, and hilarious satire about the value (?) of judging a fundamentally subjective concept and the pompous pretension that often goes into it. I can imagine actors having a blast with the acerbic dialogue and wacky stage directions.

A warm, heartfelt, and time-bending journey into the past for an African American woman who is coming to terms with her history, both familial and social. The play builds up to a surprising and moving conclusion that leaves the audience thinking about how we look at the present as well as the past. Also provides juicy roles for African American actresses.

A realistic slice-of-life piece that portrays a believable relationship between two best friends. Through Malakhow's intimate and believable dialogue, the audience gets a good sense of where these two teenagers are emotionally, and how the differences in where they are spark a very compelling conflict between them. Well done!

A tender slice-of-life piece that lives on the periphery of a significant psychological breakthrough about homosexual men. Malakhow achingly portrays two gay men living in an oppressive society before the Stonewall riots. Both Chuck and David have a simple yet very compelling push-pull dynamic— Not just between each other, but also how they present their sexuality to the world. You definitely want to see where their relationship will go next!

A tender, beautiful play about what we let others see, and how sight doesn’t always equate to perception. Well-realized characters, spot-on dialogue (with some beautifully poetic writing), and a unique protagonist produces an original lens on modern-day gay male life.

Edith Wharton on crack! This is a hilarious satire about the Gilded Age of America and how the wealthiest spent their excessive wealth (the descriptions of the hats are brilliant). It also offers insights and incisive critiques of class, opportunity, and the idea that anyone can obtain the American Dream (as it were) if they just pull themselves up by their bootstraps and work hard enough. Definitely check this one out!

I saw this play at the 2019 Midwest Dramatists Conference, and it was easily my favorite play of those I've seen. This piece plays like the movie "Sausage Party," but with a much more existential and philosophical bent. The sheer audacity and creativity of the concept is worthy in and of itself, but that playwright Braverman has imbued his characters (who are hot dogs) and this world with such life and specificity and humor is truly an accomplishment. Directors, designers, and actors will have a blast with this hilarious play. Bravo!

I saw this at the 2019 Midwest Dramatists Conference. It is a gorgeously written, haunting, and intriguing piece that explores how the truth of tragic events often gets manipulated out of self-interest. Haller, with lyrical and poetic dialogue, unfolds her story with care and deliberation, keeping the audience involved throughout. HIGHLY recommended!