Recommended by Steven G. Martin

I love Catherine Weingarten's parody. Barbie is a dick, Skipper is a hero, and the Barbieverse is ridiculously twee (a jacuzzi with water that "is legit pink chocolate"?!). A lot of silliness and fun balanced with thoughtfulness and theme.

I love this comedy. I was hooked by the phrase "pizza delivery monk" in the summary, and then Jim Moss adds layers I never knew I needed in a comedy, including Zen puzzles, mystical and random notes on a flute, grifting, and (perhaps) reaching a next level of existence. I hope "Zen Pizza's" production history rapidly expands.

The backstory of "Leap" is like a sitcom episode, but Elliot Kreloff has imbued vulnerability and sweetness in this romantic comedy between men. There's humor, too, and a bit of an historic look at being single during the Clinton-era presidency.

This short comedy is a lot of fun. Jean Ciampi has established a lot situational humor, physical humor, dramatic irony, and twist upon very dark twist in "Morto D. Gatto." Audiences and actors alike will love it.

An absolute must-read play. This dark, shining gem of a drama produces shivers and provokes deep thoughts.

"Clone" is about those in power with the opportunity to abuse it, and those who have none. It's a clear-eyed prediction of what the future may be and a metaphor of several populations considered "less than."

I love the characters Mildred Inez Lewis creates in "We Dreamed Ourselves" -- the Has-Been and the Never-Will-Be. Actors will love playing TKF-Seven and Grady. I also love the tone. There's comedy in this short play, but also the tragedy of knowing things are slipping away without taking action to stop it.

The satire hits hard on the cosmetics industry, the marketing scammers, and social pressures on young girls. "There is No Other Path" left me cringing, laughing, and feeling angry. I hope its production history multiplies.

"Laundry Day" is a terrific one-minute drama that includes a rich comeuppance for one of its characters. Well done, Neil Radtke. I wish I'd written this.

You will care about a sock puppet. You will care about the man who cares about the sock puppet, Lee Lawing's writing squeezes your heart and won't let go. Astounding monologue.

"I Knew Him" is an outstanding example of the power of empathy and listening and understanding: Lives change.