Recommended by Bethany Dickens Assaf

An atmospheric piece that successfully builds suspense until nearly the final moments, this adaptation captures the twistiness of Poe's original: we know something horrible (and perhaps well-deserved!) is going to occur but the arrival of Death is somehow even more chilling than we imagined. The reveal that the mask cannot be removed is also perfectly timed - sure to elicit a gasp from the audience (it certainly got me!). I always admire Cross' ability with literary language and this is a gorgeous example - I found myself sinking into the dialogue from the first moments. Highly recommend!

"Photo Finish" begins with a wonderfully shocking premise, which develops into a hilarious - and ultimately, meaningful - conversation on love and lost time. I especially enjoyed the rapport between the two siblings: their care and concern for one another added to the bittersweet character of the piece. Recommended for any play festival - would provide rich roles for the actors.

Mark Harvey Levine does it again! A hilarious setup that lends itself to some fun conflict, polished off with a satisfying ending. All in less than a minute! Incredible.

A wonderful, poetic monologue with a much-needed message about grace. This one-minute piece brightened my day and would be a great entry for any festival.

A wonderfully human piece, with a twist that is so effective, so right - and yet so unexpected! - it took my breath away. Brennan's dialogue here is just terrific, and the realism provides an interested counter-point to that moment of transcendence. While the context of the pandemic adds gravity to this story, the Patron exemplifies our universal, timeless need for connection and beauty. Highly recommend!

While I loved the play's dark (and slightly gross!) humor, I also resonated with the undercurrent of desperation in Marty's dissuasion and repair attempts, and Cheryl's need for someone to just sit in her emotions with her for a while (as opposed to 'solving' them!). This is a straightforward and smart depiction of a friendship, as well as a twisty (and again - gross!) revenge story. Carnes ends with what is essentially a grounding exercise, reminding us all that insecurities and griefs may abound but good things - and good friends! - persist.

I have to say, I laughed heartily during this piece while also connecting deeply with Ditty's depiction of isolation and stress, particularly when it comes to parenting. This hilarious piece does really pack a punch: as per the title, we all could have spent a lot more time during quarantine supporting and making space for one another, versus pressuring ourselves to appear 'put together.' As we continue to think through the nature of work, 'professionalism,' and self-care, this play will continue to be an important conversation-starter. And did I mention it's absolutely HILARIOUS?!

A fascinating historical story, well-told: Bluestein-Lyons has crafted these characters with such clear-eyed verve and wit, the play is an engaging read. The relationship between Almon and Susan, in particular, crackles with adroit tension and is gratifying in its development. The mid-point seance is also a particularly clever and fun way to end the first act - it is assuredly all the audience will be talking about at intermission!

One of those plays that leaves you breathless and aching (in the best way!). I was immediately struck by the generosity and warmth between Juliet and Pam - though I've read many plays about memory loss, their resigned and often-gracious understanding was a wonderful element I'd never seen depicted before. Romeo also perfectly captures the heaviness of and unsolvable disagreements and differences between the two women. This is a very lived-in relationship that develops into a meaningful and compellingly complicated story about loss - how it entangles, empties, and changes us. And that ending - wow.

A passionate, energetic, and imaginative play: "Culture Night" boldly depicts a range of experiences on what it means to be Filipinx and allows its characters to deepen into their own resolutions, as the magical realism in the piece also develops into a striking third act. Central to the story is the theme of credibility: how to enter and move through communities - and while all audiences will resonate with this conflict writ large, I appreciated the uncompromising specificity of experience with which the play is drawn. I highly recommend this play, which demands to be performed and experienced!