Recommended by Philip Middleton Williams

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    "In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police, who investigate crime...." You know the rest, but in this wonderfully delicious dessert of a send-up, Steven G. Martin doesn't get past the police before we're scooped up into it, and no cone of silence will keep you from laughing and groaning at this dish that is best served cold. You'll eat it up.

    "In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police, who investigate crime...." You know the rest, but in this wonderfully delicious dessert of a send-up, Steven G. Martin doesn't get past the police before we're scooped up into it, and no cone of silence will keep you from laughing and groaning at this dish that is best served cold. You'll eat it up.

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    This heart-to-heart between siblings has all the right feels: closeness that only family can know, the unspoken connection that links them, and now when Essie has news, she tells Solly in terms that he understands. The sensitivity that Sam Heyman brings to both of these characters is palpable, and we the audience will feel this through to our hearts. I love these kinds of moments because in many ways, it can be more truthful and powerful than some scenery-chewing outburst. It's that good.

    This heart-to-heart between siblings has all the right feels: closeness that only family can know, the unspoken connection that links them, and now when Essie has news, she tells Solly in terms that he understands. The sensitivity that Sam Heyman brings to both of these characters is palpable, and we the audience will feel this through to our hearts. I love these kinds of moments because in many ways, it can be more truthful and powerful than some scenery-chewing outburst. It's that good.

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    Poor Roger. Not only does he wake to find out that he's dead, a booming voice is telling him he has to choose six people to spend eternity with trapped in his apartment. This loser can barely keep his eyes open much less decide his afterlife. With a whiff of Dante and nod to Jean-Paul Sartre, DC Cathro gives us a story that asks the essential questions: what have you got to show for yourself to your best friend, your family, your exes, not to mention the cat? Inspiring, terrifying, truthful.

    Poor Roger. Not only does he wake to find out that he's dead, a booming voice is telling him he has to choose six people to spend eternity with trapped in his apartment. This loser can barely keep his eyes open much less decide his afterlife. With a whiff of Dante and nod to Jean-Paul Sartre, DC Cathro gives us a story that asks the essential questions: what have you got to show for yourself to your best friend, your family, your exes, not to mention the cat? Inspiring, terrifying, truthful.

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    This took me back to Grade 8 and the middle school talent show that still gives me nightmares. Clever and well-crafted with characters who leap right off the stage and into your lap, spilling your beer in the process. Lots of fun with mangled lines that will test and task the actors and give the audience much to applaud.

    This took me back to Grade 8 and the middle school talent show that still gives me nightmares. Clever and well-crafted with characters who leap right off the stage and into your lap, spilling your beer in the process. Lots of fun with mangled lines that will test and task the actors and give the audience much to applaud.

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    The beauty of this piece is two-fold: it's written so that you feel like you're not eavesdropping; you're a witness to Simon and Ellen's conversation and the moments that make a difference. The second is that Darrin Friedman's style is not to present us with a climactic breakthrough but small revelations and realizations that truly mean something more than "eureka!" It's the little things that add up to those moments that matter. Like finding a really good Reuben. Thanks for this gift.

    The beauty of this piece is two-fold: it's written so that you feel like you're not eavesdropping; you're a witness to Simon and Ellen's conversation and the moments that make a difference. The second is that Darrin Friedman's style is not to present us with a climactic breakthrough but small revelations and realizations that truly mean something more than "eureka!" It's the little things that add up to those moments that matter. Like finding a really good Reuben. Thanks for this gift.

  • Philip Middleton Williams: KEEPING SCORE (A 10-minute play) by Marj O'Neill-Butler
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    This great little play instantly took me back to the Gateway Cafe in Lyons, Colorado, where years ago I waited tables and listened in on the very private conversations that made up the lifeblood and current of people like Chuck, Molly and, of course, Grace (who bears a startling resemblance to my late beloved sister-in-law). Marj does it in such a way that you want to hang around waiting for the next couple to come in and share the moments of truth and disappointment. Check, please!

    This great little play instantly took me back to the Gateway Cafe in Lyons, Colorado, where years ago I waited tables and listened in on the very private conversations that made up the lifeblood and current of people like Chuck, Molly and, of course, Grace (who bears a startling resemblance to my late beloved sister-in-law). Marj does it in such a way that you want to hang around waiting for the next couple to come in and share the moments of truth and disappointment. Check, please!

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  • Philip Middleton Williams: This Year's Princess Tea Party by Mathew Green
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    There is no greater love for a child from parents than supporting them in what means something to them, no matter what. Brad and Gabby are not indulging their son; they are giving him the kind of love that children crave. Beautifully written with a message to all of us, parents or not, and will provide Sam with the support that he will need on his life's journey. You can't ask for more.

    There is no greater love for a child from parents than supporting them in what means something to them, no matter what. Brad and Gabby are not indulging their son; they are giving him the kind of love that children crave. Beautifully written with a message to all of us, parents or not, and will provide Sam with the support that he will need on his life's journey. You can't ask for more.

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  • Philip Middleton Williams: TOUGH LUCK - A MONOLOGUE by Julie Brandon
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    Revenge may be a dish that is best served cold, but in the case of someone who has dealt with resentment and recrimination for no fathomable reason, it becomes less about revenge and more about reclaiming their own self-confidence without becoming a losing battle against someone who perhaps doesn't understand their own reasons for what they've done. As this monologue makes very clear in no uncertain terms, the comeuppance is not about revenge but reclamation. They have earned it. So there.

    Revenge may be a dish that is best served cold, but in the case of someone who has dealt with resentment and recrimination for no fathomable reason, it becomes less about revenge and more about reclaiming their own self-confidence without becoming a losing battle against someone who perhaps doesn't understand their own reasons for what they've done. As this monologue makes very clear in no uncertain terms, the comeuppance is not about revenge but reclamation. They have earned it. So there.

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  • Philip Middleton Williams: Taking Turns Holding On - Monologue by Rich Helms
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    This monologue resonated with me for a number of reasons. I've been on this journey in my own way on several occasions, and the way Rich Helms describes it has a universal connection with anyone who has loved and cared for someone and then been cared for themselves. It is a part of life, of living, and for those who have yet to set out on it, it is a roadmap that they will fill in with their own markers. But seeing where Rich has gone is a generous gift.

    This monologue resonated with me for a number of reasons. I've been on this journey in my own way on several occasions, and the way Rich Helms describes it has a universal connection with anyone who has loved and cared for someone and then been cared for themselves. It is a part of life, of living, and for those who have yet to set out on it, it is a roadmap that they will fill in with their own markers. But seeing where Rich has gone is a generous gift.

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  • Philip Middleton Williams: Summer of 69 Job (Monologue) by Rich Helms
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    There is so much here to grab onto, and not because I too was a camp counselor in my youth confronting boys from a world I did not recognize. In my case they were the ultra-rich, but in a way they gave me as much culture shock and rough language as Rich describes in this funny and enlightening piece. I know that counselors are supposed to leave an imprint on their charges, but in this case, I'm very sure they did the same for him, and both were the better for it.

    There is so much here to grab onto, and not because I too was a camp counselor in my youth confronting boys from a world I did not recognize. In my case they were the ultra-rich, but in a way they gave me as much culture shock and rough language as Rich describes in this funny and enlightening piece. I know that counselors are supposed to leave an imprint on their charges, but in this case, I'm very sure they did the same for him, and both were the better for it.

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