Recommended by Dave Osmundsen

  • Cost of Living
    21 Jun. 2018
    Class, ableism, and the human desire to be seen all play a part in this beautifully-written and super-compelling play. The story follows two equally involving narratives-- one about an overworked Princeton graduate who cares for a wealthy graduate student, and the other about a man caring for his wife in the wake of a debilitating accident. The dialogue flows musically, and you root for these people to connect with one another. Two fantastic roles for disables actors a plus, too. Highly recommended.
  • The Play of Excessive Exposition, Stereotypical Characters, and Cliches
    18 Jun. 2018
    Stoppardian in its convoluted-ness (and I mean that in the best way possible), this play is a highly amusing satire of... well, excessive exposition, stereotypical characters, and cliches. Fun to a fault, actors and audiences should have a blast with this comedy.
  • ELEVATOR GIRL
    18 Jun. 2018
    A lot of great and relevant themes are explored in this highly theatrical and deeply disturbing piece: Sexual assault, trauma, the dichotomy of fantasy and reality, etc. The dialogue flows along beautifully, and gives enough hints at what the final reveal to be to keep you reading. It’s also incredibly bold in its discussion of sexual assault of not only women, but men too. Designers will have a field day with this play, and I would be intrigued to see it come to life onstage.
  • Back Cover
    18 Jun. 2018
    The play starts as a warm and funny story of a teenage girl adjusting to a new life after being suddenly uprooted. But two-thirds of the way through, it takes a surprising and devastating turn, becoming a beautiful meditation on the importance of passing on our, and others’, stories. With a masterfully handled tonal shift and the right balance of humor and pathos, Hageman’s play takes you on a brief, but intensely emotional journey about finding light in a confused and confusing world. Check it out!
  • A Reasonable Expectation of Privacy
    1 Jun. 2018
    This fascinating play probes the desperation of lower-class Americans. By turns funny, harrowing, and horrifying, this play follows one man's doomed quest to make a difference for himself and his family. Bronson demonstrates here that she is not a playwright who shies away from the horrors of humanity. She "goes there." This play may not take you to a pleasant place, but it will definitely leave you with a lot to think about.
  • Mothafckers - Tales of Modern Greek
    1 Jun. 2018
    Bronson shows just how bold of a playwright she is here. She tackles several modern themes, such as loss, sexual harassment, and assault, while engaging in conversation with mythology as well as bringing it into the modern era. Her use of language is strong and poetic. The final monologue by Eurydice's Mother is one of the most gut-punching uses of imagery I've ever read, and I will not forget it any time soon. Check it out!
  • THE PLATYPODES
    30 May. 2018
    A refreshingly specific spin on the topical abortion play, this time discussing aborting a child who will most likely be disabled. The story examines the tight familial bonds between two siblings, and how a decision one of them makes threatens to tear them apart. A compelling story that sucks you in from the beginning and devastates you in the end. Asks several tough questions, such as whether our responsibilities are to ourselves or are loved ones. It also has a great role for an actor with Downs Syndrome. Check it out!
  • Catch the Butcher
    23 May. 2018
    A dark comedy that almost shouldn’t be as funny as it is. By exploring the twisted dynamic between a tortured serial killer and his overly curious would-be victim, Seidel has crafted a fascinating play that explores our fascination with each other- and how that fascination devolves when confronted with the real person. Darkly funny and super compelling, this is a great piece for theatre companies looking for an unconventional comedy with a real human core.
  • Paper Cut
    14 May. 2018
    A powerful play about a gay soldier returning home from Afghanistan having lost parts of himself both literally and figuratively. Explores PTSD and identity with brutal and violent theatricality. It’s also a tender love story between two men who have been through the worst together and individually struggle to readjust to civilian life. By the end, I was left devastated and touched by its story and characters, as well as its message: Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with the ones who love and know you the deepest.
  • SANDY: A SUPERCENTER EMPLOYEE MONOLOGUE
    13 May. 2018
    This monologue, a combination of speech and stream-of-consciousness, is A LOT. There's a lot of character in these words. Sandy is a character with a long history, who once had dreams of being a more significant person, who's doing her best to get by on a meager paycheck, and who's simultaneously frustrated and amused at what her life has become. There's a lot for an actress to really sink her teeth into and run with. The audience participation bits are incredibly well-handled. I can see this being a blast to perform and watch.

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