Recommended by Donald Loftus

A thoughtful and imaginative two-hander, Impossible Theories of Us explores love, identity, and memory with intelligence and emotional depth. John Mabey blends science and humanity through sharp, engaging dialogue and a compelling central relationship. The play’s speculative elements feel grounded in real emotion, creating a moving and thought-provoking theatrical experience that lingers.

A deeply moving and beautifully constructed play, Remembering Margot brings a lesser-known voice to life with sensitivity and emotional depth. Claudia Haas skillfully blends history with imagination, creating a vivid portrait of Margot Frank as vibrant, intelligent, and full of promise. The relationships feel authentic and poignant, offering a fresh, human perspective on a familiar story. Powerful, compassionate, and resonant.

A haunting and lyrical piece, Narcissus explores identity, longing, and self-recognition with striking poetic intensity. Xanthopoulou’s language is vivid and immersive, capturing the tension between desire and self-loss. The imagery is both beautiful and unsettling, drawing the reader into a deeply introspective journey. Bold, evocative, and emotionally resonant, it lingers with quiet power.

A sharply crafted and engaging adaptation, The Marriages brings Henry James’s world to vivid life with clarity and dramatic tension. Zuckerman skillfully explores themes of family loyalty, moral compromise, and hidden motives through crisp, intelligent dialogue. The dynamic between Adela and Godfrey is particularly compelling, driving the play’s emotional stakes. Elegant, thought-provoking, and theatrically satisfying.

A delightful and fast-paced comedy, Seymour Sees a Shrink delivers sharp wit and playful absurdity in equal measure. Friedman crafts a hilarious clash between timid Seymour and the wildly unorthodox Dr. Bolshoi, with dialogue that sparkles throughout. Clever, irreverent, and full of unexpected turns, the piece builds to a satisfying, laugh-out-loud conclusion.

A deeply moving and inventive play, Lullaby for Winnie blends humor, music, and raw emotional truth into a powerful theatrical experience. Stewart crafts richly layered characters, particularly Emily and Marcia, whose fraught relationship unfolds with wit and poignancy. The use of Winnie adds warmth and symbolic depth, grounding the story’s exploration of illness, legacy, and love. A bold, heartfelt work that resonates long after the final moment.

A powerful and emotionally charged family drama, Close Your Eyes offers a deeply human look at love, sacrifice, and impossible choices. Levine crafts authentic, layered characters whose struggles feel immediate and real, particularly as the family confronts the challenges of caring for Jeffrey. Heartbreaking yet compassionate, the play balances tension with tenderness, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

A charming and inventive short play, AROMA blends wit, nostalgia, and emotional resonance with surprising depth. Jessica Feder-Birnbaum crafts a lively exchange between Sue and Hastings, where humor and heart intertwine as memory becomes a pathway to healing. The concept of rediscovering scent through imagination is both clever and moving, culminating in a satisfying, uplifting resolution.

A deeply affecting and finely observed coming-of-age drama, Balancé captures the delicate balance between ambition, family responsibility, and identity with striking authenticity. Audrey Lang’s writing is natural, sharp, and emotionally precise, allowing small, everyday moments to carry profound weight. The relationships—especially between Ivy, her sister Nicole, and their struggling mother—are richly drawn, blending humor, tension, and quiet heartbreak. Honest, moving, and beautifully crafted.

A cleverly constructed and engaging murder mystery, A Deadly Engagement delivers intrigue, sharp character dynamics, and satisfying twists. Rachel Feeny-Williams builds tension through well-paced dialogue and layered secrets, keeping the audience guessing throughout. The ensemble cast is vivid and distinct, each with motive and mystery, while the elegant setting enhances the classic whodunit feel. Entertaining, suspenseful, and theatrically rewarding.