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Scott Sickles

Recommended by Scott Sickles

  • Illicit by Matthew Weaver
    17 Dec. 2018
    “ Matthew Weaver has a gift for turning awkward and uncomfortabe transgressions into moments that are heartfelt, human, complex and real. These scenarios usually (in the few plays I've read) involve boys in their adolescence and women who are not. It could get icky. But taking that risk is what raises the stakes, and the writing is never exploitative or gratuitous. Here an inappropriate and unfair request is made. Yet the characters are so well-drawn in their yearnings that it feels more like you're watching life than reading a play. Their actions are as honest and their actions are complex. Excellent! ”
  • Family Planning by John Minigan
    9 Dec. 2018
    “ A gut-punch! John Minigan illuminates part of the fallout of the 2016 election that many men probably wouldn't think of; I know I didn't. This play is a perfect illustration of how the highest levels of government affect citizens in the most intimate and violent ways, and dares to follow-through on the bleak consequences of what is already a worst-case scenario. A must-read, especially for Trump-voting parents of women and girls. It should be produced everywhere. ”
  • The Gift of da Maggies by Franky D. Gonzalez
    6 Dec. 2018
    “ Beautiful. Just beautiful.
    An exquisite take on the old O Henry tale in the least exquisite of places. Gonzalez creates a profoundly deep friendship between two guys in unfortunate circumstances, then invites us into their world. Their space is confined but their bond is vast, heartfelt and unshakeable. ”
  • UNDERFUR (co-written with Hugh Brinkley) by Rachael Carnes
    4 Dec. 2018
    “ Adorable! Somewhere between fully anthropomorphized and animal-who-just-happens-to-speak, Chauncey is having a bad day that we've all had. His support human is fighting an uphill battle, both to get Chauncey to complete a simple survey, and to provide reassurance to a raccoon in denial about his shortcomings - a common symptom of the post-breakup blues. Ultimately, it's a play about who's really there for you, even when you want someone else. ”
  • Verna and Jeannie by DC Cathro
    26 Nov. 2018
    “ Perfect! Just perfect! A lovely ten-minute pitch-black comedy with two wonderful roles for older actresses. It's full of delightful surprises and grounded in unshakeable kinship and love. I had the pleasure of seeing this at Greenhouse Ensemble in NYC and it was wonderful to revisit on the page! ”
  • Mission Trip [A One-Minute Play] by Franky D. Gonzalez
    23 Nov. 2018
    “ One minute. One page. It still managed to hit me where I live and piss me off. A perfect snapshot of Evangelical pseudo-Christian hypocrisy in action. The magic in the economy of the writing comes in a smile... a smile that made me clench my fist. Strong storytelling in almost no time at all. ”
  • Alistair Eats Alone by Matthew Weaver
    20 Nov. 2018
    “ Matthew Weaver has clearly been reading the diary I don't actually keep and transcribing all the thoughts and feelings from my lonely heart into this tug of war between a man and his self esteem, a tug of war were both parties are pushing instead of pulling. The play in an honest and insightful delight for and about those who yearn without gumption. Just like my diary would be if I wrote it. ”
  • Unfrozen (A Monologue) by Lee R. Lawing
    15 Nov. 2018
    “ This is one of my favorite things that I have read in my life! I'm not even exaggerating.

    Normally, I try to read pieces that don't have more than one or two recommendations, if any, but the description was irresistible, as is the play, especially if you read it aloud in your best Rick Moranis voice, which I did.

    The concept is cute enough, but the execution is masterful. Lawings's soaring, almost unweildy vernacular is a heartfelt symphony of longing, love and regret, somehow even more beautiful than it is funny and it's hilarious! ”
  • Brandi Alexander by Tatiana Pavela
    10 Nov. 2018
    “ Brutal. Brutal kind of the way Hannah Gadsby's Nanette is brutal, but in many ways angrier, more immediate, more "as I share what happened to me then, you will experience it now, Now, NOW, and you won't get to flinch either." It captures the raw honestly found in stand-up that emerges from our darkest, most painful experiences. Yet this is not a stand-up act; it is a solo play about a woman doing a stand-up act about the transformative experience of rape. It's an indictment. It's a mic drop. It's a dissection of soul. ”
  • CORNUCOPIA by Rachael Carnes
    10 Nov. 2018
    “ Breathtakingly funny play about An Incident that occurs on Thanksgiving Eve. To say more about what happens would be a spoiler and this play deserves to surprise its audience. I will say that it does confront the ancient yet undying cultural divide over what is and is not "dressing." A must for any holiday play festival or really anytime you need a good comedy in your evening of plays.

    Also, the characters can be played by any two adults. The potential combinations are dazzling! ”

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