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Steven G. Martin

Recommended by Steven G. Martin

  • A Harmony of Both by Terence Patrick Hughes
    6 Sep. 2020
    “ Loopy comic characters and a bit of philosophic punch stand out in this play.

    Reading "A Harmony of Both," I enjoyed the zany, off-the-wall flimflam Stan uses to soothe Emily's anger -- it was a comically disorienting dialogue that had the same effect on me as it did on Emily herself.

    But what I truly loved about this short comedy is that Terence Patrick Hughes' plot takes the idea of influence and engagement even further. ”
  • The Killers by Michael Moss
    5 Sep. 2020
    “ Two of the most influential figures of 20th century America meet in Michael Moss's one-act play. Both men possess greatness, and it's eye-opening to think just how famous -- and infamous -- they will grow to become after their conversation. Fine historical and biographical drama. ”
  • The Pineapple Line by Steven Hayet
    5 Sep. 2020
    “ Wait a minute, did I read/hear/see what I thought I just read/heard/saw? I re-read several parts of this play multiple times in awe because ... did Steven Hayet just go there? And again?

    Hayet's short comedy "The Pineapple Line" is gasp-worthy, laugh-worthy, and binge-worthy. And it isn't just one-note. Everything in this play lends to the twisted humor: characters wear blinders to their own foibles, plotting and tempo accelerate, and visuals provide the comic punch line. Bravo! ”
  • Guardian by John Busser
    4 Sep. 2020
    “ Busser builds an apocalyptic world in just a few moments in "Guardian," but is also able to provide the most intimate view of the horrors, pain, and anxiety during that same span of time.

    "Guardian" is tense, upsetting, and unforgettable. ”
  • Hey by Vince Gatton
    4 Sep. 2020
    “ What I love most about "Hey," Vince Gatton's coming-of-age short comedy -- and there is a LOT to love -- is that, at its core, it's about a mother who loves her son. Cheryl ultimately knows Wade will not be like most boys, and she supports him and his interests entirely. Cheryl may be a practical, direct, blue-collar mom, but she may know more about Wade than Wade may know about himself.

    I also love that "Hey" takes place in a rural setting, eastern Kentucky. We need more of these stories. ”
  • Pep Talk - a monologue by Hayley St. James
    3 Sep. 2020
    “ "Pep Talk" is so funny, so winning. Lauren's combination of insecurity, horniness, over-analysis, and enthusiasm made me root for her throughout this monologue. A wonderful character piece. ”
  • 40 Questions (a monologue) by Matthew Weaver
    3 Sep. 2020
    “ Heart-rending drama. "40 Questions" is like pulling your heart out of your chest and laying it bare on the table.

    I watched a video of Miranda Jonte of Back Porch Theatre performing "40 Questions." She performed in two ways, both equally pulling emotions from me showing just how much an actor can make a play sing in any number of ways. ”
  • Thrasher (10 minute excerpt of OFF THE PALISADES PARKWAY) by Nick Malakhow
    3 Sep. 2020
    “ It's difficult to write friendship, and Malakhow does it very well in "Thrasher" -- there are plenty of moments of light teasing, anger, begging, genuine insults, forgiveness, and camaraderie in these few pages. Gabby and Taj feel entirely real as they negotiate the evening, and maybe even the future of their friendship. ”
  • Essentials by Robert Weibezahl
    3 Sep. 2020
    “ I became so agitated reading Robert Weibezahl's one-minute drama. The change in tone from start to finish is astounding, completely plausible and -- based on how my heart rate picked up -- incredibly effective. ”
  • The Boy Who Cried Dragon by Inda Craig-Galván
    2 Sep. 2020
    “ "The Boy Who Cried Dragon" is a feel-good play that has humor, adventure, stakes, and imagination to satisfy its audiences.

    What's especially nice is that Inda Craig-Galván wants her protagonist, Travis, to be a positive influence on the life of his family and community, instead of a belligerent brat in the folk tale that inspired this play. This is marvelous Theatre for Young Audiences: colorful, bold, imaginative, emotional, funny, and true. ”

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