Recommended by Philip Middleton Williams

No one knows their child better than a parent, and no parent should have to tolerate the judgments of others on how they care for their child, especially from the foolish and those who presume to know better. This is not a crie de coeur, but a powerful standing statement of love and willing sacrifice that only a parent can understand. Yes, this is a case of special needs, but it applies to anyone who has a heart and a mind and a child.

A poignant recollection of moments where falling in love seems as natural as breathing. This young man is clearly head-over-heels, but also clear-eyed to know that this is a moment only; that life will resume, that hearts will be strained, tested, and time will tell. Still, you don't want him to lose that thrill, and this could easily last a lifetime.

I had the privilege of hearing this play as it was being developed, and I am so happy to see how Arianna Rose has brought these characters to life, and then to see it performed at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton, FL. This is a tour-de-force of art, insight, and understanding about two fascinating women -- the Cone sisters -- and their collection that brings two towering figures of 20th century literature -- Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas -- into our minds guided by the presence of a figure from Matisse. Enthralling and truthful.

We all need friends like these, willing to bite the... cheese and do their best to look out for each other. Steve Martin's touch is gentle but gets to the heart of the matter of understanding the tacit love each of these guys feel for each other. A wonderful moment. Wait... no crackers?

Some of the most complex and true theatre takes place in the imaginations and actions of children. It proves that our ability to create full-dimensional characters, action, conflict, and resolution is an instinct; it only becomes complicated -- and distorted -- when we grown-ups try too hard to make sense of make-believe. In this short and achingly true piece observing Slim, "Chancey," and Hairline Q. Brush, we see into just how this improvised game lives up to the core of theatre: providing the escape that allows these young actors to face reality with courage and resolve.

There are moments in a relationship when people reveal elements of themselves that are tells, the signs that only they share, that don't need to be spoken. John Mabey's ability to convey these moments with a word, a pause, a look, a touch, is in this piece in a masterful way. The subtext of this couple's relationship is immediate and understood: heartfelt and honest.

I swear I know both Isaac and Bascom. (I could name names...) This has all the makings of a meet-awkward-turned-adorable with surprisingly candid moments of truth dressed up in the middle of a cheap wedding reception. Forget the TV movie cliches; this is how it really happens, and I can't image anyone other than Scott Sickles make it work in such a fashion.

As I read each story in this cycle of life, I knew everyone. I remembered them as if it was yesterday even if it was more than fifty years ago that I was an undergrad. Sam Heyman's ability to bring these characters to life took me back to those days that shaped my life and the choices I made is powerful. Is it any coincidence that moments after reading this piece I got a Facebook friend request from a classmate I haven't seen since graduation? Thanks, Sam.

I worked on a dairy farm when I was 17, and the one thing I remember most was wondering how the cows felt when we hooked up the automatic milkers as opposed to me squatting next to them and grabbing them by the teats with my cold and calloused hands. No wonder I got swatted by a shit-laden tail more than once. But as Sam Heyman shows us, these ladies of the bovine ilk can be mellow and dreaming of a better life once they realize what lies beyond. And the lead to the punch line is worth it.

I consider it a sign from the universe that I read this play on the opening day of school in Miami, Florida, where censorship is the new normal for high school theatre. Arthur M. Jolly has captured the characters, the moments, and the inner feelings in way that feels close to Samuel Beckett's absurdism because that is about the only way one can interpret the insanity of trying to suppress the artistic drive of these students. Bravo for taking it on head on, and I hope this play gets done everywhere, including Florida.