Recommended by Scott Sickles

Like its subject, this monologue soars.

What especially astonishes me is how, in the midst of a highly contentious space race, playwright Lawing and astronaut Tereshkova take such a good natured approach. There is pride without arrogance, joy without schadenfreude. A knowing humor about the political system belies the complexities waiting on the surface below. We are up above the air with a legend, finding beauty unleashed by confinement and fueled by glory. It's both humble and humbling.

I saw Miranda Jonte's recitation on Back Porch Theater. Female-identifying actors everywhere should give it a spin. Take flight!

Insider information like this is invaluable! Cold, unvarnished truth, complete with threats of violence and a primer on feline vomiting. All to achieve an end that seems impossible.

McBurnette-Andronicos creates an iconic cool cat, jaded even when helpful, using anecdote and instruction as the retractable claws tearing away at the scratching post of your tattered hopes.

Yes, the pill is for the cat’s own good. But the failure to communicate that to an id-based avatar of contempt and ennui is totally on you.

A joy to read aloud, especially applying your favorite wise ass celebrity impressions! Try it!

Nothing like a simple story told well, especially when that simplicity belies a tale’s deep and complex heart. In this elegant verbal pantomime, Dzubak uses a simple meet-cute as a foundation on which he builds a realistic, multidimensional relationship drama filled with love and tragedy. It could be staged as realistic movement and/or dance, providing a director and actors a great opportunity to strut their visual stuff.

We have all been Rebecca.
Most of us, anyway.
If you have, here's a hug.
If you haven't, what are you even doing with your life???

Mansfield's breakneck pantomime gives us a fully formed character, a history, and a journey with a few twists and turns. It's a great role for female actors adept at physical comedy who also have a handle on pathos (the best physical comic actors do). The set/prop folks will also have a field day.

It's fun, funny, and beautifully resonant.

We get to know Rebecca well without her having to say a word.

I must say, with a title like LOVE • TRUST ESCALATION, I expected something more serious (I didn't read the description first) but certainly dramatic. Boy howdy, is there DRAMA! LeBlanc delivers revelation after revelation with a light touch even when the situation gets weightier and weightier. A cavalcade of set-ups and payoff, with a terrific premise and two delightfully fun characters. Easy to produce and produce often.

Oh, to be the prop master and costume designer for this show! Read it and you'll see what I mean; I don't want to spoil it... NOT THAT ANYTHING COULD!!!

A great bit of revisionist history (or maybe not! I haven't read the ancient texts... Though I'm certain the names are accurate) about a culinary milestone. I only wish someone had invented butter.

Even one-sided friendships require two people. One person constantly finds themselves at the mercy of the other's schedule and whims, with little consideration regarding whether or not they want to be there, even if they complain. It's bewildering to the person getting the short end, yet we stay in it.

Poynton raises this dynamic to a theatrical extreme, folding time in on itself like metaphysical origami. The play is fast, fun, compelling, and unsettling. Even when Hannah takes charge, everything seems to be on Rick's blithe terms. The play hits home, encouraging us to reevaluate these friendships.

With trauma, the mind tries to protect us by helping us forget, by blurring the events, by speculating other outcomes. Frequently, we reimagine, relive, endlessly dissect the events, a little differently each time. Trouble is, to heal, we need to face the truth - not so easy when the lies got a head start. Karuc perfectly captures this process in the wake of sexual assault. Especially admirable is the complexity and humanity of the assailant, even as an avatar in Ana’s mind. Exquisitely structured, with multidimensional well-definted characters, and achingly realistic dialogue. A powerful short piece.

Also, great title!

As someone who appreciates clarity and passion… #TeamBarry

As someone who respects pragmatism (especially in regards to personal safety) accompanied by an open heart… #GoMelinda

As someone who loves fast and furious writing, distinctly individuated characters with clear objectives, and wild whirlwind romance grounded in realism, not to mention the universal bonding element that is coffee, it’s #SamanthaMarchantFTW!

Is it funny, flirty, and fabulous?!

IT TOTALLY IS!!!

I don’t know why I was inspired to read it aloud with Southern accents but it works! Though I imagine actors of many ages and backgrounds could pull it off, giving this marvelous piece new texture and dimension each time.

The relationship dynamics are spot on. The dialogue is fast-paced and wonderfully specific. Easy to produce and a joy to watch or perform!