Recommended by Philip Middleton Williams

This is a touching -- in more ways than one -- love story. And while Zach and his true love may never be together in the usual sense -- talk about your long-distance relationship -- the connection they have is powerful and enlightening.

All it takes is a forgotten word here, a dismissive shake of the head there, a “let’s move on,” and history is gone. It can’t happen here? It happens all the time. Scott Sickles brings it to us in just a moment. So powerful.

In a certain frame of mind, a trip to Taco Bell can be a religious experience. For Ginna and Chrissy, scratching up coins from the cup-holder, it becomes more than just a late-night snack; it's a revelation. Truth comes in many forms, including the drizzling cheese from a quesadilla, and it could be that your spirit guide bums a cigarette and thanks you for it.

Larry Rinkel rightly and adroitly sums up the playwright's dilemma and his reluctance to write a play about just one playwright when there are so many others to celebrate. And yet...

Yes.

This is a love story on so many levels, but the one that strikes me the most is that the characters in this richly-drawn drama know that there's a difference between love, infatuation, and just calling it "love" when it's merely glandular attraction. The element of tragic loss as the continuo of the tale is a master stroke; how could the star-crossed lovers ever find true happiness? Could they have? Was the timing right or wrong? The truths that come out are human and honest, and all of these characters -- every one -- shines through.

I wonder why adults think that the minds of children are simple and that they are incapable of understanding the feelings of others. In reality, it's the adults who are often incapable because they blind themselves to the power of the basic goodness of humanity. Children are often far more aware of this capacity. Scott Sickles' play concisely and eloquently portrays the two boys not as miniature adults but as people capable of embracing forgiveness and understanding that is a lesson for the alleged grown-ups.

Joni gives us an insightful look at the stream of consciousness that can tell the story of a life in the time it takes to put on your hat. And for those of us who are sharing their life -- virtually -- with someone of that age and with the memories, it's a precious and tender moment.

An eloquent elaboration on the truth that your right to raise your fist ends at the tip of my nose and told in such a reasonable and emphatic manner that no one can reasonably argue with it. Which is the whole point.

I had to laugh and nod at this play because not just an hour ago I was on a Zoom meeting with my own family and discussing my mom and her caregivers. I think Marj O'Neill-Butler has been listening in on our calls. The warmth and depth of the daughter and Mother who clearly love and care for each other despite every outward sign to the contrary is what makes this story so true to reality.