Recommended by Ben Rosenblatt

  • 19
    17 Apr. 2018
    A fun, quirky take on reality vs. expectations when it comes to love, with some commentary regarding society's newly attuned focus on consent. A quick coming-of-age story, in which a big lesson is learned with brevity. Both current and timeless. Really enjoyed the smart stylization.
  • In A Darkroom, The Lord Knows
    16 Apr. 2018
    Woah! On full tilt emotionally from the first moment, this play surges like a defiant volcano to its satisfying and rebellious conclusion. Gritty and bold and fiercely striking in its imagery. A powerful work, which examines the deeply entrenched misogyny and rampant sexual abuse in religious power structures. Phenomenal roles for young females. Irreverent and very impactful.
  • Megan and the Bear Go Camping (To Solve Their Problems)
    16 Apr. 2018
    A dreamlike and magical meditation on depression. Perfectly captures the sufferer's empty search for the ever-elusive "why?" that so often surrounds mental health issues. Seamlessly weaves in big topics like sexual assault, the loss of a parent, complex family dynamics, and the trials of early adulthood without pointing the finger at any of them as the cause or catalyst. Bleakly comic and sincere. A slow, satisfying burn. Inventive and poetic in its heightened theatricality. Offers exciting possibilities for both casting and staging.
  • THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR
    16 Apr. 2018
    This sexy, funny, thrilling play insightfully probes human behavior surrounding monogamy and relationships. The dialogue is crisp, filled with wit and appropriately awkward. An actor's dream. Four very well-developed, messy, complex characters. Demonstrates that any relationship of true worth is hard, no matter the sexual approach, and doesn't let us off the hook with any easy answers. Really enjoyed it!
  • Back Cover
    16 Apr. 2018
    A moving play with a great message. Sweet and simple until it's not anymore. A surprising plot twist sheds powerful light on the play's opening phrase, before Hageman brings it all full circle. A perfect play for young performers, with motifs that resonate for audiences of all ages.
  • THE BELLE OF BELMAR
    28 Feb. 2018
    Another really good play by Nicole. Handles heavy topics like rape, bullying, coping with disability, the trials of a single parent, and maintains a healthy balance of humor and pathos. A timely piece. Transported me immediately to my High School days and compelled me to take an honest look at myself and the type of friend I was/am to both my female and male friends. Offers hope without letting us off the hook.
  • PUMP
    27 Feb. 2018
    Compellingly highlights the damaging effects of capitalist America's eroding value system and the selfishness engendered by the pursuit of success. Witty, quick and often funny dialogue. Fully human characters. Moving family dynamics. Surprising and satisfying twists.
  • A Bad Night
    27 Feb. 2018
    Searingly honest and timely. A perfect topic for docudrama and excellent in its execution. Spurred me into deep self-reflection. An important piece.
  • Jump
    27 Feb. 2018
    Beautiful. A moving and poetic exploration of depression and the many forms it takes. Lucid and uncluttered, unique and hypnotic and dreamlike and delicate. At once, bleak and hopeful. There's tremendous power in the breathing room. A gorgeous play!
  • TRAYF
    26 Feb. 2018
    What a great play! Funny, complex, incisive. Investigates many difficult questions without presuming answers. Fun dialogue. Full of deep longing.

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