Recommended by Ken Preuss

DESERT OCEANS explores culture, gender, sexuality, and faith, seamlessly blending the diverse elements into a beautifully poetic play. Rich, genuine, flawed characters, separated by generations and language, connect and confess in memorable scenes of sparkling wit and surprising revelations. With a story that is simple and lovely yet complex and relevant at the same time, Mabey has written an elegant and emotional journey for his characters and his audience.

Gardner’s script is poetic and profound… and with current debates about Artificial Intelligence in the news… prophetic, too. Qualia begins as post-apocalyptic rumination on loneliness then veers seamlessly in unexpected directions - a romance one moment - a taut thriller the next – with a unique blend of comedy, philosophy, and science fiction throughout. Complex characters, clever dialogue, palpable emotion, and well-paced revelations surprise from start to finish and leave you making discoveries long afterward.

John Mabey’s INTERVIEW WITH THE PLAYWRIGHT skillfully dances a fine line between genres, casting a haunting spell that draws you in and holds you tight. The push-pull of the characters’ motivations and revelations unravel at a perfect pace, allowing us to share the emotions and imagine our own responses. A combination of romance and horror, of poetry and philosophy, or nightmares and dreams… the intoxicating tale invites you to “let go of the idea of heroes and villains” and explore “everything in-between.”

A tantalizing take on classic urban legend, CUPID’S POINT presents two lovebirds parked in the woods with an escaped madman on the prowl. The dialogue flows fast and furious as twisted and twisty tale leaves the audience wondering when the real villain will be revealed. This one hooks you from the start and leads to a truly smashing finish.

A clever mix of Mandela effect and meta moments, Lipshcutz’s fast and funny monologue takes the audience on a journey from the comfort of a child’s bedside to the chaos of an existential crisis. It’s an un-bear-ably funny audience pleaser and a roaring good showcase for any actor or auditioner.

Although the title and opening moments of The Marsha Chronicles suggest lighter sci-fi fare, Mabey’s insightful script – like the robot double he’s created - slowly reveals a darker intent. As chuckles turn to chills, the exploration of space becomes an internal search for self-acceptance and a memorable journey for actors and audiences alike.

A seductively sinister play filled with secrets, silences, and shadows. Angus and Matilda’s quiet confrontation touches on being unfaithful before veering into the unfathomable. Tension builds poetically and powerfully to a frightful finish that will linger with audiences long after the stage fades to black.

Cooking up online theatre is no piece of cake, but Aptecker serves a delectable dish that continues to delight actors and audiences across the globe. (I’ve seen it on the menu of multiple festivals.) YOU CAN BAKE is the perfect mix of clever dialogue, lovable characters, and relatable emotions. With a tasty blend of silliness and sincerity, Aptecker has found the recipe for the perfect Zoom-Friendly concoction. Try it for yourself. It’ll leave you joyfully satisfied and wanting to come back for more.

If you could speak to your younger self, what advice would you share? What grudges would you hold? What choices would you forgive? Martin’s play unfolds unexpectedly, revealing its poetic premise with elegance and emotion. Beautifully magical but grounded in a reality to which we can all relate, 153 explores the challenges we face, the choices we make, and the changes we seek in our journey to accept and embrace who we are. Read and produce this play! 153 might easily become your audiences’ favorite number.

In John Mabey’s, CRUSADES, a mother and daughter banter about religion while traveling on a cross country drive. The heartfelt and humorous conversation - filled with revelations and realizations -is so effortless engaging, it feels as though we are experiencing everything alongside the characters, eavesdropping on their emotional journey. Mabey offers two remarkable roles for actresses and a ride we will remember fondly.