Recommended by Steven G. Martin

So many things to love in this horror about uninvited guests -- everything immediately goes against Anna and Nelson from the start and only gets worse; so much is set up early and naturally, making the climax inevitable; the way Vicki and Leo communicate ... audiences will get goosebumps galore.

I loved reading this comic spoof of 1920s-era detectives and their work. It is Technicolor, splashy, flashy fun with its elaborate language, Jazz Era panache, giddy logic that somehow makes sense -- pure joy. It's clear Barry Wallace loves this genre; "The Eighty-Sixth Soul" is a loving parody. And, yes, the ending is a surprise.

Bobby and Del's relationship is a life goal: to love a person who gets you, accepts all of you from your most wonderful to your most unhinged. And that's a hallmark of Cathro's scripts -- strongly defined relationships. "Episode V" also is wonderful in showing a man recalling great joy and great disgust at earlier ages: expressing nostalgia without being precious.

I envy Tom and Jerry in this winding, wending comedy. There's very comic misunderstandings that drive the script, sure (I cackled throughout a virtual reading of this play). But my takeaway is that it's clear Tom and Jerry are completely at ease with one another and on the same wavelength. And that's nice to see. Kudos to Williams on letting these two navigate the least likely path to end up exactly where they need to be.

I kept thinking, "Run, Doug, run!" during a virtual reading of this dark, satirical play. In a Hallmark Channel movie-like setting, the prejudices and politics of those in power may not be immediately blatant, but they are dangerous. Don't let the crocheted chicken toaster cozies, mugs with a mariachi Santa, or jars of pickles distract you. Run.

Absurd in the best way: a figuratively foggy setting and time, a preciseness of language, minimal but impactful imagery. "Some Kind of Holiday" tickled my funny bone in a good way.

Anna the protagonist is pushed through extremes in "The Doorbell": a little hedonism, a little anger, a little paranoia, and a life-changing epiphany in less than 10 minutes. She's a character that will challenge female actors and appeal to audiences.

Sibling dynamics, dead Dad disparaging, and two shocking twists -- Mathew Green has packed a lot into this brief comedy, which is why audiences (including me) loved its summer 2025 production at Farmington (MI) Players.

U.S. history buffs, rejoice! What "Hamilton" did for Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill, this comedy does for someone the $2 bill. Or the nickel? (Who knows. Not Riley or Jamie.) Dallas Ray-Macke's comedy is funny, flirty, and has a winding, wending ease that suits its late-night setting.

Read this short solo play aloud, then read it again. "Hard to Hug you in a Hammock" will fill your soul in so many ways. There is joy of language and wordplay, there is the spectrum of the senses, an exploration of the emotions of love and care and connectedness. Sheila Cowley is extraordinary.