Recommended by Steven G. Martin

This play about friendship between older men is so enjoyable. Mathew Green's characters are distinct but complement and contrast one another well. I love that there are secrets and revelations throughout, even some bristling and resentments. And there's something refreshing about Jasper's life perspective - that he isn't a "has-been," but rather a "still-am." We need plays that show connection, especially between older men, at a time when loneliness and isolation are rampant.

This is absolutely bonkers but also a wonderful mix. "Erstwhile" is meta to the max, filled with biographical and historical references, and a tribute to those talented but-not-quite-household names. It's a little campy, a little sad with strong thoughts on change happening around us and being forgotten and deemed unnecessary (AT AGE 61?!), and has wild comic actions and reactions and dialogue.

I laughed aloud reading this short comedy -- an earnest, excited Shakespeare is a wonderful character and there is no shortage of allusions and puns and references throughout Josh Gauthier's marvelous script. But I loved even more that theme of living one's life, forward motion, being active -- notable features of dramatic literature. A joyous love letter to Shakespeare and a generous warm embrace to folks who feel their lives are slipping away from them.

This one hurts because of the amount of loss Constance faces, and not just the loss of Bobby. If you've ever lost someone, never to make new memories with them again -- and who hasn't -- Stephen Spotswood understands and tells a story that'll make you reflect on your own experiences and, perhaps, like I did, make you cry.

Comic and dramatic. Visual and verbal. Off-the-cuff-silly and thoughtful/philosophical. Breakneck banter and slow-motion tragedy. Only John Busser writes a play like "Arm's Length Romance" and I'm thankful for it. I'd love to see or direct this show in a live performance.

Very dark and brutal. Surprisingly so. And the shock value alone is enough to read it and see it performed.

Maynard gave me whiplash in the best sense with "Helen Keller Walks into a Bar." The harsh opening is terrifying and grows, until the sudden U-turn ending that's so Ridiculous I won't spoil it here. An amazing script I'd enjoy performed.

Ciampi has written a wonderfully rounded character in Piper Edwards, whom I didn't like for awhile. But when her privileged edge softened, I felt pleased for her genuine inner strength. Quite a character, quite a journey in just a few moments. I'd love to see "So, About the Heat" in performance.

Reaching a breaking point is one thing. Reaching a breaking point yet remaining calm, calculated, and certain of its effects is chilling, as Duane Baldwin shows in this one-minute drama "Pray for Peace."

I love how deeply the need to connect with others runs in this play. Some silliness, 'shrooms, and sentimentality with genuine emotions about loss and love at the core.