Recommended by Steven G. Martin

I love theatre like "i went to a bar all by myself and i didn't die."

This monologue is a celebration of exploration, joy, exultation, sensation, awakening, transformation. The character of River has made a strong choice and her world has opened up a bit more because of it. Wren Aubrey Latham has written about being open to trying new things and how it can make our lives that much richer.

I love theatre like this. [24/10/11]

"Tribute to the Mouse King" is the play to produce during the Christmas season. Ky Weeks has created a marvelous underdog tale with humor, sadness, rage, homages galore to Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker," darkness, a lot of theatricality, and an uplifting ending -- especially if you're a mouse.

"Tribute to the Mouse King" will entertain, frighten, and delight audiences of all ages. And it will be so much fun for actors, designers, and directors. This is the Christmas play to produce. [24/10/10]

With some plays, an audience will know the ending in advance; the fun comes in discovering how the characters will get there. That's the case with Philip Middleton Williams' short, romantic fantasy/drama "Going There" -- and Williams delivers the goods with his skill. The characters are terrific as is the plotting. The theatricality of this play is high, and it's easily produced.

Adam Richter has grounded "The Witch Trial of Margery" in a very specific time and location, but its plot and themes seem -- unfortunately -- timeless: Science, reason, and objective evidence battle against hearsay, rumors, and fools who believe lies to remain in favor of a ruler.

This is a heroic play, a bloody and visceral play, a play about empathy and understanding set in a time when it would be easy to have neither. [24/10/07]

"Twelve Books" is a beautiful consideration about father-son bonds and understanding, the importance of story, and gratitude for the time we have together. It has the feel of delving into a photo album and remembering -- a quiet, embracing short play by Philip Middleton Williams. [24/10/07]

This short monologue is an ode to resilience and it is just lovely. Matthew Weaver shows that, yes, our thoughts can derail us from things we want to do, things we need to do, but people -- in this case, Performer in "A Sudden Sense of Melancholy" -- also are able to continue on their way and experience joy and pleasure. "A Sudden Sense of Melancholy" is honestly uplifting and it would be soothing to see and hear performed live. [24/10/02]

Ultimately uplifting, "That E Sharp Minor" moves smoothly from one emotional tone to the next: frustration, a bit of humor, dark dread, and then finally a positive conclusion. Marianna Mott Newirth has written a play with a wonderful perspective on writer's block and the creative process. I think "That E Sharp Minor" would make for a fun Halloween production, as well. [24/10/02]

You want to produce a short, blunt satire about guns and gun violence in America? "Very Common Remedies" by Peter Dakutis is where you need to start. [24/10/01]

This satire stings like a squeeze of lemon juice in the eye. It's also funny as well-meaning people show just how clueless they are. And the one good, thought-provoking question ends the play and goes unanswered. Excellent satire by Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos. [24/09/29]

Josie Gingrich's short holiday play has got such terrific characters and a central relationship -- former friends at odds -- that would be marvelous to watch onstage. And the dialogue zigs and zags as the characters try to engage, evade, escape, and connect with and from one another. And I love the central theme of forgiving and moving on in the holiday season. A director would love to bring this to life with two actors that have strong chemistry. [24/09/26]