Recommended by Scott Sickles

“HOLY FUCK!” That was my reaction TO THE SYNOPSIS! The play itself left me speechless. As I write this, it sits in my chest like a cannonball. West has created a masterpiece of darkness illuminated only by the crushing fragility that exists in us all. And he does this by achieving the impossible: getting us to sympathize with a monster. I won’t say I “feel sorry” for Tickles but I intimately understand why he snapped. In so doing, he and West illuminate the fragile monsters within each of us.

Adorable, educational, and surprisingly not harrowing at all! (I must say, my expectations were a tad thwarted. As a Baughfman enthusiast, I predicted a very different ending.) There's a lot packed into this one minute. The depiction of friendship is an important one for children to see. Chilly's compassion prevails even when Norbert's not receptive to it. Which is not to say Norbert doesn't have his reasons! A lovely tale of identity and acceptance - of one's self and each other. Also, NARWHAL!

Absolutely exquisite! I love a play that takes place in the dark, especially if the only light source is handheld, in this case a candle. Reminiscent of Beckett's "Footfalls," equally dark yet infinitely more forgiving, Misfortune presents a grandparent-grandchild relationship both wonderfully theatrical and warmly human. Hilder instills a profound sense of menace without ever compromising hope. Ultimately, this is a metaphysical tragedy culminating in a sublime coup de théâtre! Breathtaking!

As Benjamin Franklin subtitled his Letter to the Royal Academy, "Fart Proudly"! Though not a subject often aired in polite circles, the acceptance of others' flatulence – from public pooting or unleashing under the covers – is indeed a manometer for intimacy. Soucy does a quick and dirty deep dive into the topic, giving us a disparately clenched couple releasing their insecurities with great effervescence, leaving us with a warm feeling that will linger a long time.

"If wishes were changes, I'd make him my anchor. He'd be my Angel who sang through the years." ~ Nanci Griffith ¶
An impossibly delicate love story that transcends time, Mabey begins with the simplest of setups, adds an innocent deception, then drops a love bomb on us and the characters that resonates through decades. The miracle of this fantasy of hope is that it makes you believe that nostalgia is an onramp and memory is a gateway to the future you should have had. Staggeringly beautiful.

In this solo paean to dialogue, dramaturgy, and the double-helix of arrogance and insecurity that comes with playwriting, Ruyle has fashioned a loop-de-loop tour-de-force for an actor that brilliantly flies in the face of its own complaints. A truly marvelous meta monologue that cleverly seems like it's going nowhere before sticking the landing! An absolute hoot!

Everyone asks, "Where is Krampus?!" and even "What is Krampus?" but no one ever asks "HOW is Krampus?" Krampus is not okay, folks! And we have been long remiss on checking up on our favorite holiday scare tactic. Cross gifts us with a delightful outpouring of feelings that trips right off one's forked tongue. Short enough for auditions and perfect for your holiday gatherings where you make you friends watch you perform. This can be your gift to them!

An intimate and elegant piece of politically charged theater that reminds us that policy is always personal. What I love is the contrast of voices: the calm representative enforcing an unjust and deadly law vs the outspoken advocate of what's right and fair. McKindon fearlessly examines governmental power structures and who is best equipped to navigate the needs of others: the squeaky wheel vs the well-oiled machine. A hopeful play for a dark age.

Much the like meme that inspired it, a lot is happening all at once In ways that are as hilarious as they are disturbing. Lawing provides a delightful trope fest, feeding off of and fueling our heebie-jeebies, with primal fear, robust physical comedy, and some partial nudity! An utter joy that will leave you with the willies.

When I read the synopsis, my first thought was “oh, nooo…” And I was right! Of all the What-Ifs to ponder, this query is quintessentially Busserian. And yet, the situation is treated with unexpected gravitas and good nature. Since toilet humor requires a toilet and there isn’t one, Busser instead gives us a terrific comic treatise on equality, achievement, and the pitfalls of being a pioneer. Confession: while reading, I had forgotten the title; when I reminded myself… I wish I could’ve seen my face.