Recommended by Donald Loftus

A deeply moving and compassionate drama, Pictures On A Desk captures love, loss, and courage amid the AIDS crisis with remarkable sensitivity. Bruce Karp crafts authentic characters and quietly powerful dialogue that builds to a resonant emotional payoff. The play’s intimate storytelling and humanity linger, offering a poignant tribute to resilience, memory, and the bravery of living—and loving—openly.

A harrowing and visceral psychological horror, Postpartum explores maternal anxiety, identity loss, and the terrifying edge between reality and delusion. Jillian Blevins crafts an intensely intimate two-hander where domestic life fractures into dread, amplified by a chilling use of sound and unseen presence. The play’s escalating tension culminates in a shocking, unforgettable climax that lingers as both tragedy and nightmare.

A quietly devastating and beautifully structured drama, UNHEARD explores the painful distance between what we feel and what we say. Glenn Alterman crafts spare, naturalistic dialogue that gradually reveals layers of regret, love, and missed connections. The play’s haunting conceit culminates in a deeply moving realization, making for an intimate and unforgettable theatrical experience.

A chilling and atmospheric monologue, Dead Mother delves into guilt, memory, and psychological unraveling with haunting intensity. Ken Love crafts a gripping, unreliable narrator whose fractured recollections blur the line between reality and delusion. The play’s gothic tone and mounting dread culminate in a disturbing and ambiguous conclusion that lingers long after the final blackout.

A poignant and emotionally grounded drama, Everything Must Go captures the chaos of grief and the fragile process of reconciliation with striking authenticity. James W. Perry crafts natural, sharply observed dialogue that balances tension, humor, and heartbreak. The play’s exploration of loss, regret, and familial bonds builds to a deeply resonant conclusion, reminding us that not everything of value can—or should—be sold.

A charming and allegorical ensemble piece, A Certain Pedigree uses anthropomorphic characters to explore themes of belonging, hierarchy, and compassion with warmth and humor. Rachel Feeny-Williams crafts distinct, lively voices that highlight both the absurdity and poignancy of social status. The play’s gentle arc toward empathy and inclusion culminates in a heartfelt and uplifting resolution.

A fresh and emotionally honest two-hander, Catfish Picnic blends humor, vulnerability, and sharp contemporary insight. Emmet L.F. Cameron captures the complexities of online identity, deception, and queer connection with authentic, fast-paced dialogue. Beneath the wit lies a tender exploration of trust, self-worth, and community, culminating in a quietly hopeful moment of human connection.

An inventive and intellectually playful work, Locomotive Telephony with Dancer and Editor deftly fuses poetry, movement, and meta-theatrical humor. Ian Thal crafts a witty exploration of artistic process, language, and collaboration, where dialogue and physical expression intertwine with striking originality. The piece’s layered structure and self-awareness culminate in a thoughtful, engaging meditation on creation, interpretation, and connection.

A clever and irreverent sci-fi comedy, C.O.C.K. Therapy blends sharp satire with playful homage to fandom. Mike Byham crafts a lively ensemble of distinct voices, each revealing a humorous yet pointed take on abandonment and identity through a shared, absurd premise. The rapid-fire dialogue and escalating revelations build to a perfectly timed comedic payoff, making the piece both entertaining and smartly subversive.

A razor-sharp dark comedy, Occam’s Razor delivers biting wit and intellectual precision with theatrical flair. Bette Carlson Siler crafts a deliciously unbalanced duel between brute force and cerebral strategy, allowing language itself to become a weapon. The play builds to a brilliantly satisfying reveal, where logic cuts cleanly through bluster, resulting in a smart, bold, and darkly triumphant conclusion.