Recommended by Dave Osmundsen

  • Blue
    22 Aug. 2019
    A simple, yet complex poem of a play about how the stories we tell evolve and change and deepen and darken as we age. Quietly devastating, BLUE plays fast and loose with time and language, making for a wonderfully theatrical experience.
  • Nothing Remained But Voice And Bones
    16 Aug. 2019
    An elliptical, fractured, cleverly structured and powerful exploration of one woman's lifelong struggle with weight, body image, and self-esteem. Dwyer writes poetic dialogue with stinging subtext. Her monologues in particular ache and scream with life and longing. The supporting characters are complex and well-drawn with a few simple strokes--I found the protagonist's relationship with her sister especially poignant. Although this is an often brutal and disturbing story of how trauma can be present throughout ones life, it's ultimately an uplifting play about self-acceptance. Check this one out!
  • The Wake
    27 Jul. 2019
    I was fortunate enough to see the world premiere of this play at Premiere Stages. What a compelling, thrilling, and beautiful play about two sisters who went on different paths in life coming to terms with their mutual grief at the loss of their this sister. Tammy Ryan writes with a great ear for dialogue, a compassionate eye for character, and a strong feel for the theatrical (especially in the second act). Produce this play!!!
  • Original Sound
    22 Jun. 2019
    I’ve read this script and seen it performed. Seidel consistently writes believable, complex characters, and this script is no exception. The jam session between Ryan and Danny is one of the most enlivening and theatrical scenes I’ve seen in modern theatre. Check it out!
  • The Elephant and the Light in Claire's Suitcase
    27 May. 2019
    Romero has such a way with poetic language and symbolism, making his plays both literate and theatrical. Reading this particular play is like stepping into another world that is both weird and wonderful. A script that tells a simple story of an elderly woman trying to grasp onto her memories, it is a joy to read for both the elliptical dialogue and the stage directions, which are worth reading their economy and poignancy. Check this out!
  • Big Iron Fires
    27 May. 2019
    This is a big, bold, confrontational, messy, complex, and thought-provoking play about the epidemic of gun violence in our country. Romero bravely takes many disparate elements from classical theatre, pop culture, and politics and blends them into a relentless and powerful short play. This is not a play that you will walk away from without a reaction, which to me are some of the best kinds of plays. Check this out!
  • Catching Lemons
    25 May. 2019
    I saw this play read at the Inge Festival. A tender, warm, and compassionate coming-out play. You feel Matthew’s frustration as his attempts to have a meaningful conversation with his grandmother continually fail. Beautiful work here!
  • JANINE: A MONOLOGUE WITH A FANNY-PACK
    24 May. 2019
    What starts out as a sassy monologue from a middle school girl quickly becomes a touching tribute to her grandmother (and of course her grandmother’s fanny pack). It will have you laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. A charming monologue with a strong, believable voice about the things and people we carry with us.
  • Where the Fireworks Come From
    24 May. 2019
    A beautiful, intimate slice-of-life play about two characters who deal with their feelings for each other in contrasting ways, making for a fascinating conflict. Well-paced and vivid, you learn a lot about these characters and who they are over the course of ten minutes. A lovely piece!
  • Riptide Girl (a monologue)
    18 Apr. 2019
    Wow! I love the vivid and poetic imagery and language used in this piece. I can also clearly HEAR it being spoken. Sabrina walks a tight-rope between desperation and desire that is heartbreaking and compelling to watch. Check this monologue out!

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