Recommended by Dave Osmundsen

  • The Light
    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
    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
    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
    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.
  • Williston
    12 Feb. 2018
    I thoroughly enjoyed this play! Sharp dialogue, a slow-burn narrative that pays off and then some, and a VERY well-executed twist. A scintillating exploration of how business corrupts people, and the fine line between commerce and conscience. Strong actors can really sink their teeth into these characters and make them snap, crackle, pop, and sparkle. Well done piece!
  • two of us on the run
    10 Feb. 2018
    A fast-paced, funny, and intelligent contribution to the “on the road” sub-genre, this time involving two suburban teenage girls who decide to skip out on their small town and hit the road. Great insight into what it means to be a teenage girl today, the challenges of finding your place in a world that’s growing more and more chaotic, and letting go in a world that is increasingly controlled by technology. Fun dialogue and fantastic monologues for young actresses to perform. I really enjoyed this play!
  • Canvas
    10 Feb. 2018
    A compact and compelling story about class, perception, and how we justify actions that may seem suspect to others.
  • Adoption of Grief
    8 Feb. 2018
    A fascinating play about a thought-provoking topic that will surely inspire audience debate. Salsbury lends a sympathetic ear to all of her characters, refusing to take sides or provide easy answers. The first few lines draw you right into the play, and you can’t help but keep watching to find out how it all ends. A necessary play for today’s volatile racial and political climate.
  • To Tread Among Serpents
    20 Nov. 2017
    An intriguing and atmospheric Southern Gothic story about a gruesome crime in a small Southern community. But beyond that, it tells of how we use and twist the truth to our own advantage. Bleak, but very believable. Two strong female characters at the center, and some opportunities for chilling theatricality.
  • Jump
    19 Oct. 2017
    A funny, heart-wrenching, and gorgeously written play about grief and depression. The central character and her relationships with the people and the world around her are fascinating. The final third of the play is the biggest gut-punch I've had reading a play in quite a while, but it concludes on a tender and hopeful note. In addition to having a powerful story and well-drawn characters, the play is stupendously theatrical from page one. I hope to see a production of this play soon!

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