Recommended by Philip Middleton Williams

Kevin's work is poetic, where one word or phrase speaks volumes, and "Status" is exactly that: poetry. At once hopeful and then devastated. Just like life in time of pandemic. Perfectly done.

In times like these, I'm thinking of the quote from Lord Byron: "And if I laugh at any mortal thing, 'tis that I may not weep." Scott Sickles got me to do both in less than a minute with "Vanilla" and what we've come to in order to meet our most basic need for some form of human contact. This is the kind of writing we need, not just now, but always to remind us that human frailty and urges sometimes make for desperate measures.

In "Corona with ICE," Franky Gonzalez takes the fear and loathing of the coronavirus pandemic and turns it deftly into a metaphor for another situation in our lives that lies lurking, waiting, and generating anxiety. What may take other writers pages he does in a few words with the devastating and insightful impact that we have come to expect from this gifted playwright.

This fun play is a mix of "Dangerous Liaisons," an episode of "Law & Order," and an Alfred Hitchcock suspense thriller all masterfully put together to keep you guessing all the way through. It would be so much fun to see this on the stage and watch every twist -- and twisted -- turn. It's hard to say which part I liked the best: the dialogue, the characters, or the inventive setting and design, so I just have to say I loved it all.

Having just been told that I can't visit my parents in their retirement community, this silent testimony hits me, tugs me, makes me sad but also steadfast in my love. I hope that it will have the same impact on anyone who shares this moment.

This little gem gets me right where I live -- and lived. It reminds me very much of couples that I know and tugs at my heart because at least one of those couples was me and my late ex. I love the way Jeremy Cole gives us everything we need to know about these "young pals" in such simple and succinct ways: a word, a touch, a look, and we know how deeply they feel for each other.

How well do parents know their children, and how well do they know themselves? That's a very good question, and Robert Weibezahl tells us a great deal about perception and stereotypes as three very different moms choose what doll they think their child would like... or is it what they would like their child to like? It's a sharp and skillful lesson taking place in the toy aisle.

You will not forget this moment, and you should not.

This short piece has the gauze of a casual conversation that takes place while both of the people in it are otherwise occupied, and yet the intensity is very well done.

What could have been a hackneyed sit-com turns out to be a well-crafted and smart short play that doesn't settle for the cheap double-take laugh. The characters are genuine, the dialogue and interaction is natural, and before you know it, you are drawn in. This would be a great showcase piece for young actors as well as a fine addition to any theatre festival.