Recommended by Steven G. Martin

"Heart, Point, Four Fingers" has an extraordinary character and an unusual structure, but what I love most is its exploration of a loving relationship that evolves as a result of the extraordinary and is shown through the unusual. Cathro has created robust characters and backstory with rich dialogue alongside a touch of the fantastic. A lovely play.

Classic comedy. Death is imminent and Louise is off her leash: caustic and pointed, yes, but Kevin B. gives her a bit more depth with the lightest twinge of (comic) regret. Terrific situation, characters, and dialogue.

"The Full Magnolia" is a beautifully layered, character-driven comedy. Yes, I enjoyed Radtke's dramatic conflict, world building, funny dialogue, and climactic triumph in a small, struggling community theatre in Indiana. But I also enjoyed the growing bond between these characters, the need for honesty and artistry in life, and theme that theatre -- though difficult to create and ephemeral -- matters. I need to see this play performed.

"Tuna Boy" is sweet and heartwarming, and I feel a little nostalgic reading it. The characters aren't jaded or angry; they just have a willingness to try to new things, to find joy in them -- even when there's evidence the world is ending. Matthew Weaver reminds readers and audiences that we can make connections with one another.

Brent Alles' short, comic, sci-fi adventure will tickle audiences with multiple vegetable-based puns and references to multiple space movies and TV shows. Fun, a little campy, and a little scary.

Kantor's tiny domestic drama is so much more than it seems, and audiences will not know what they're in for until dread and devastation hit them in the final moments. Horrific.

Elegant misdirection by Kaminski immediately followed by a bloody bludgeoning. We see a man at wit's end, drinking, writing a note, holding a gun -- everything neat and clear, but we still don't get the full picture. Not until that one line of dialogue that changes everything. And then the horror sets in and we are shocked (but no longer surprised) at what we witness. Elegant, bloody, supernatural, shocking.

I love silly humor and Martin's "Hired Hype" is filled to the brim. A ridiculous misunderstanding leads to high-energy interactions that'll get the audience's juices flowing, then oh-so-dark comedy proves there's more than one way to skin a cat. This short comedy is a wild ride.

Gorgeous writing by Sickles. Rupe, the hero, is beautifully layered. They're romantic, yet practical, grounded, and aware of their 3-star surroundings. They reference "Star Trek: The Next Generation." They're cheeky and witty in presenting their self-worth, but I wonder if there's doubt and they may be naive in evaluating the worth of others. There's sweetness and openness and joy and need such a short piece, which causes a bit of friction in me because Rupe deserves more than this situation.

"Tongue & Chic" is a 1980s fever dream with enough references to pop culture and fashion to satisfy anyone who ever wore pastel scrunchies and acid wash jeans. It's also a delirious horror fantasy for everyone who ever felt taunted and targeted with the nonstop homophobic jargon of the times.