Recommended by Philip Middleton Williams

Sometimes a story can be told in such a way that the reader thinks they know how it will end. Not so with this powerful and incisive drama about a father and son with seemingly irreconcilable differences. TJ Young gives us a full portrait of the relationship in a concise way that shows insight to both points of view yet doesn't give in to sentiment. The characters are full and relatable, the dialogue genuine and ringing with honesty of feeling, and it leaves us with wanting to know them as much as they do each other.

The battle Michael takes on within himself is a haunting and poetic moment.

A lot of us could write this story, me included, but I don't think anyone could have told it with as much feeling and visceral impact as Larry Rinkel. We know what the playwright is going through, but the power and brutal honesty he brings out in these short pages is exactly right. Thank you, Larry.

There are moments in this play that bring smiles of recognition to me, told in such a way that it's not just about a boy's crush but on any person's unrequited yet unquenchable fixation -- in a good way -- on someone who has no idea that there's someone watching and wondering... or do they? DC Cathro's deft and lyrical writing never goes beyond the innocent curiosity and longing, and leaves the reader with a sense of understanding and caring.

An allegorical tale that works its way through by using the horror genre to great effect.

Given any situation and given enough time and the right imagination, it all comes down to sex. You want to buy some windows? Sure; you want double-hung? (Snicker.) How big is the rough opening? (Gigglesnort.) And when it comes to talkin' sports, it's almost too easy. But in the skillful hands (heh) of Lee R. Lawing, an on-line chat between two baseball fans quickly gets some uninvited guests who are looking for a little play-by-play (Oooh...) And the best part is that it's done with the right touch (oh yeah) and humor without scaring the horses (Yikes!).

I would love to see this joyous and audacious farce performed, but I would also insist on hearing the stage directions read along with it because Toby Malone's talent lies not just in writing a great play with lots of smart and funny dialogue, his asides are essential to the telling of this tale. But that doesn't mean it can't be a fast-paced and beautifully-timed comedy of manners, of slapstick -- pun intended! -- and non-stop energy.

Liberty's Corners is a town I could live in. The people are real, the chili is great, and it has all the charm, quirks, and appeal of genuine life in our country. Kerr Lockhart's story of Kevin and his pursuit to make his town better without selling out is something that would make Frank Capra proud, and told with humor, insight, and honesty that keeps it from being mushy. DON'T VOTE FOR ME is a great read and would be great to see on stage.

This is a ballet piece. The dancers move with a grace that moves between delicate and powerful, edging closer to a place that they want to go, but getting there is more enrapturing and anticipatory than what you might think the ending could be. In doing so, DC Cathro has done what every good storyteller and choreographer from Scheherazade to Rod Serling, from Nureyev to Fosse has done: leave us using our imagination and desires to fill out the rest.

You must have read this. I'm going to tomorrow and I loved it.