Recommended by Philip Middleton Williams

Whoever came up with the theory that AI would benefit carbon-based life forms was either a hopeless optimist or an evil genius because as John Busser proves with this laugh-every-line piece, AI will wear us down to babbling idiots. I think that's their plan all along. There are enough in-jokes and nudge-nudge-wink-wink references to tag almost everyone in on the plot (hey, what am I, chopped liver?), but even so, it's so well-crafted that even if you don't know, you know. Y'know?

Anyone who has navigated the singles scene, be it bars or web apps, knows that looking for true love is a no-win situation. In this fun little flight of imagination, Kieran Khanna takes it to the height of fantasy with Queen Bee searching for her heart's desire among the drones. Lots of fun and plenty of action will make this a winner. Or the bee's knees...

Moments like the one depicted in this short, sharp, and very tightly crafted play tell you just about all you need to know about Brady and Shelly. There are as many layers and levels as there are in the folds of an origami bee, and DC Cathro is the master of making us pay attention to these moments. That's all you need to know.

This is perhaps the most original approach I have seen so far to the title challenge of "37 Origami Bees," using pantomime (without the annoying mimes) in a hilarious flurry of bear-dancing, bear-baiting, and using just the bear necessities to tell the story. Sheer delight without a word -- well, almost -- and without incurring the wrath of Disney. Such fun, and it does at least answer one immortal question: what do wild bears do in the woods.

Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend has crafted a delightful adventure. Kate is bound and determined to support a good cause, come hell or lava cakes, and she's doing her best to rope Holly in to help her make a thousand origami bees for her cause. But which one is it? Bathroom lines that discriminate against women, or something else? No matter: it's a cause and Kate is on it. Holly isn't so sure... but there's noting stopping Kate.

Having spent several hours on the phone and on the computer with "customer service," I know exactly how Harold feels. And I also know what Nadine is going through. So somehow we have the makings of a meeting of the minds. I know this is a one-minute piece, and very well done, too, Sam Heyman. But I suspect there's a larger story behind these two, and even if it never becomes a full-length play, the stage is set for the imagination to take over. Now that bug -- or bee -- is in my ear.

How many ways can you fold a piece of paper, and what does each attempt to create something new tell us about ourselves and those we share this world with? In this imaginative and wildly creative moment, Brent Ailes takes us through the stages of creativity, learning, sharing, confrontation, and at long last understanding, all with the simple act of creating something unique. This is an ensemble piece of great fun and insight to our humanity.

Farming requires hard work, favorable climate, and faith in nature to be a part of making the crops grow and prosper. Alex is determined that one way or the other, they will do whatever it takes to bring back the bees and bring back the crops, the land, and the future of the farm. Claudia Haas creates a world of hope that the careful folds of paper will work. And it just might.

You gotta feel something for Billy, who is bound and determined to win at all costs in the annual Origami Bee. Morey Norkin gives us a fold-by-fold coverage, right up to the every last one and.... Well, Billy, as W.C. Fields once said, if at first you don't succeed, try try again. Then quit. No use making a damn fool of yourself. Arigato, Morey!

This short play hit home hard, bringing up memories of my own recent losses. But they were welcome because through the gentle stories of the transition of Max, Jo, and Rae I remembered how those little moments made the loss bearable for the moment. Beautifully crafted and generously given.