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Dave Osmundsen

Recommended by Dave Osmundsen

  • Prince Nice Guy by Emily Hageman
    12 May. 2018
    “ A brief, yet wickedly satiric examination of our fairy tale mythology. A self-absorbed prince tries to figure out why the princesses he saves don't want him, while his sarcastic squire tries to tell him why he is so repulsive to them. In just five pages, Hageman smartly subverts the tired Prince and Princess tropes of most fairy tales into something that all dudes need to hear today. ”
  • This Bitter Earth by Harrison David Rivers
    11 May. 2018
    “ An intimate and powerful two-hander that offers a unique perspective on many topics today: race, privilege, sexuality, the appropriation of another race's art, our responsibility to fight social injustice, and several others. The language is poetic, the characters are engaging, and the life-affirming message is one that we need to hear right now. ”
  • Talking Points by Steven Hayet
    7 May. 2018
    “ A short, but very sweet play about a Thanksgiving dinner that does NOT do disastrously! While the main character is in a crisis, it was a nice touch that he was able to discuss it with his family without it dissolving into chaos. The character of Grandma also had several funny moments. Nice little play! ”
  • Another Way Home by Anna Ziegler
    6 May. 2018
    “ A funny, touching, and intelligent examination of families and how they often forget to listen and respect one another for multiple reasons. The conflict comes organically from the characters and their dissatisfaction with how their lives turned out. Ziegler writes with great compassion for each character while not shying away from how flawed they are. ”
  • We Are A Masterpiece by Gina Femia
    2 May. 2018
    “ An epic, beautiful, and big-hearted play about a tragic period in US history. Through the story of one ordinary woman named Joan, Femia weaves a narrative that emphasizes the necessity of empathy for each other, regardless of our differences. The subject matter could easily become melodramatic, but Femia smartly portrays it as a snapshot of a specific time, place, and mentality. Her characters are strong and vivid not because they have agendas, but because they are real people struggling to get through confusing and difficult circumstances. A strong entry into the AIDS Drama genre. Bravo! ”
  • Man & Wife by Emma Goldman-Sherman
    30 Apr. 2018
    “ This fascinating, complex, and multilayered play takes us through the tumultuous marriage of a man and a woman during a particularly devastating presidency. The central couple, Rob and Missy, spend the whole play trying to sustain their marriage, their children, and each other through troublesome times. The play is wildly theatrical and very funny, with dialogue that is both sincere and sardonic. It also asks tough questions about marriage, politics, gender identity, and how we relate to each other from different sides of the political spectrum. A rich and enjoyable play! ”
  • The Light by Loy Webb
    14 Apr. 2018
    “ A deceptively simple exploration of several complex, multi-faceted, and difficult topics handled with grace and compassion. Genesis and Rashad are two well-developed, flawed, yet likable protagonists who are both trying to be the change they want to see in the world, and both of their perspectives are well-articulated and valid. Thought-provoking and timely, "The Light" challenges us to LISTEN to each other, and to be better towards one another. ”
  • Elephants by Jordan Elizabeth Henry
    19 Mar. 2018
    “ A small but mighty short play. The playwright intrigues you with a young autistic girl's passion for elephants, and her incandescent hope that her mother will one day come back for her. But when the devastating final revelation occurs, good luck keeping those tears in your eyes. The final monologue is one of the most heartbreaking pieces of writing I've ever read in a dramatic piece. Excellent! ”
  • The Final Word by George Sapio
    20 Feb. 2018
    “ An intelligent, articulate, and nuanced examination of free speech on a college campus. Narrated by a sly and sardonic Virgil, the play tells the story of an essay that threatens to cause controversy. With minimal set and lighting requirements, the play is perfect for theaters on a budget looking to produce a play with a larger cast. ”
  • Viper by Lindsay Kennedy
    12 Feb. 2018
    “ “Jane Eyre” meets “Rosemary’s Baby.” Holy crap, this is a scary play! What starts as a conventional Victorian melodrama about a marriage-of-convenience between a British woman and an Irishman gradually becomes a harrowing psychological thriller. With dialogue that beautifully suits the period and downright frightening imagery throughout, the playwright has managed to craft a compelling play with some of the most terrifying moments I’ve ever read in a play. ”

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