←

Steven G. Martin

Recommended by Steven G. Martin

  • Cleaning Gravestones by DC Cathro
    18 Jan. 2022
    “ I expected this 10-minute drama to move in one direction -- why does Amanda need the loan, why is her mother kept out of the loop -- but DC Cathro treads toward more humane and interesting territory.

    Father and daughter speak openly in "Cleaning Gravestones," but also gently and with understanding which makes the underlying hurt and realizations more difficult to bear. Monsters yelling are easily ignored, but it stings badly when a hurtful truth is shared by a loved one.

    I enjoyed a January 2022 reading of "Cleaning Gravestones" from Reading (Pa.) Theatre Project. ”
  • Dad and Uncle Mark (Monologue) by Donald E. Baker
    18 Jan. 2022
    “ What I especially like about Doug, the protagonist in Donald E. Baker's monologue is that -- at age 13 -- he was a little shit.

    There's nostalgia in "Dad and Uncle Mark (Who Was Not Really My Uncle)" and there's coming of age, self-aware moments too, but that little detail, that Doug blackmailed his father, adds a nice sour, salty bite to the story. I think it'll provide an older actor something additional to play in performance.

    Making your protagonist even moderately unlikeable for even a short amount of time? Nicely done, Donald E. Baker. ”
  • The Presidential Chili Cook Off by Scott Sickles
    16 Jan. 2022
    “ Scott Sickles takes the parody of presidential politics seriously, and this one-act is all the stronger because of it.

    "The Presidential Chili Cook Off" is ripe with twists and turns, reversals and double-reversals, and all kind of ploys. Anything less would be a disservice to the characters and, frankly, the audience.

    This is a script loaded with visuals, the cast is all-female, and Sickles enjoys puffing up the ego of these characters who believe their story will rock the world, before he deflates them mercilessly.

    I greatly enjoyed a virtual reading of this play. ”
  • A Man in Uniform: A Monologue by Viraj Shriwardhankar
    14 Jan. 2022
    “ What did I just read?

    This is a jaw-droppingly tasteless, lewd and funny one-page monologue. Viraj Shriwardhankar starts at such a high point with the first line of "A Man in Uniform" that I wasn't sure where the play could go from there.

    Shriwardhankar went there and beyond. Now lift your jaw and consider how well-structured and well-written this play is. We get to enjoy an unusual character and -- we learn at the very end -- an unusual situation. ”
  • The Great Steven Stravinsky by Sharai Bohannon
    14 Jan. 2022
    “ I love the situations Sharai Bohannon puts her characters into and "The Great Steven Stravinsky" is no exception. The combination magic show-birthday party offers so many opportunities to advance the plot, challenge the characters and charm the audience. Bohannon takes advantage of all of them in this heartwarming coming-of-age tale. ”
  • Prefers Bright Indirect Light by Veronica Tjioe
    13 Jan. 2022
    “ I recommend "Prefers Bright Indirect Light" for reading and production because Veronica Tjioe puts her characters through the emotional wringer. They experience everything from grief and despair, disillusionment and ennui to -- and this is where I found myself so very happy -- bright, genuine, mood-altering joy.

    Nicely distinct characters, plenty of emotions and reverses, some existential themes, and a bit of joy? I really like this short comedy. ”
  • Mary Pickford First Breaks Her Silence (1 minute play) by Elisabeth Giffin Speckman
    13 Jan. 2022
    “ This one-minute play is a gift to the talented physical comediennes of the stage. I'd love to see a production.

    Elisabeth Giffin Speckman has done beautiful work here -- providing a strong plot structure but giving the actor and director enough space to fill out the details as they like. "Mary Pickford First Breaks Her Silence" is visual, full of action and suspense, and has a wonderful, comic conclusion. ”
  • I’m Worried About Lucille by DC Cathro
    11 Jan. 2022
    “ Fans of Charles M. Schulz's "Peanuts" comic strip will love this fun and warm-hearted parody by DC Cathro. It is crystal clear that Cathro adores Schulz's work and holds it in high esteem.

    Cathro creates characters outside the realm of the comic strip, but integral to the life and well-being of the characters inside it. That outsider perspective is a perfect comic foil to help an audience remember just how unusual and amazing Schulz's characters are.

    "I'm Worried About Lucille" is terrific. Now read and produce it, you blockhead. ”
  • Mister Freeman by Margo Rofé
    9 Jan. 2022
    “ "Mister Freeman" is a terrific monologue. An older, Black, male actor would find a lot of emotions to play, the most important and impactful being pride and self-confidence.

    Margo Rofé provides everything for an audience and an actor to understand Mister Freeman's life and philosophy, all through subtext and nuance. Rofé also provides Mister Freeman terrific action to make his point.

    This would be a wonderful monologue to watch being performed. ”
  • Woman with a Bat by Heather Meyer
    9 Jan. 2022
    “ I love the breadth of portraits that Heather Meyer has created in this 10-minute drama, made up of three monologues. The women are different ages and they battle different conflicts: against themselves/their bodies, against romantic partners, and against their social circle. The key takeaway: These women are fighters.

    I especially enjoy the portrait of Woman 1. I admire her quiet perseverance even as I see her pain. Her portrait especially makes "Woman with a Bat" a strong candidate for an excellent production. ”

Pages