Recommended by David Beardsley

I saw a reading of this play at Fresh Ink Theatre's Inkspot Festival in Boston. It's terrific, a funny, thought-provoking and, at times, unsettling play that uses science fiction to make a compelling comment on colonialism, American hubris, and the danger of cultures that demonize the "other."

You can guess where this play is headed early on, but the little details in the stage action chart a course to that ending that make it so much fun! The constantly expanding coffee mug, putting the shorts on to cross past the window only to immediately take them off again, eating ice cream from a tub... we learn a lot about these characters' lives and personalities without them speaking so much as a word. And it's funny! But it's also touching, and sometimes it's heartbreaking. Life, in ten minutes, without a word of dialogue. Bravo.

“We both know we have an ally.” That’s what Leverett says to Peter at the end of this tight little one-act. I’m not sure I believe Leverett for one minute. There’s an under-current of manipulation throughout this play, which, for me, demonstrates John Minigan’s mastery of character and dialogue, and his comfort writing stories that embrace ambiguity. What fun actors must have performing this play!

I really enjoyed this clever and funny play. It is such a creative premise, and it’s so well executed. A perfect comedic addition to any festival of short plays.

This is a classic and funny monologue that pokes a little fun at actors, while also making clear just how powerful great acting can be. Love it!

I had the honor of seeing an early reading of Down the Park. It is a powerful play by a really talented writer. Greg Hovanesian writes about about the pain and loss of addiction with unflinching honesty. This is a timely play that deserves to be seen

This is the kind of play that makes me lose faith in our species. We make inhuman rules requiring teachers to traumatize or sacrifice students because we don’t have the will to regulate guns. John Minigan has written an important play that makes an important point. That he felt compelled to do so makes me sad beyond words, but maybe enough productions of this play and others like it—along with all the brave students, teachers, parents and others calling for change—will finally bring some sanity to America’s insane gun culture. Maybe. We have to demand change.

I loved reading this play! It moves so quickly, and is so funny. The rapid fire dialogue almost has a noir feel, and Carnes definitely captures the snarky elements of so many detective shows. The meta aspect of the play--Cagney or Lacey discussing interrogation techniques and strategies all while interrogating some poor schlub in the first row of the audience--is brilliant. And the way Carnes weaves their romantic attraction into the rapid fire dialogue is pure fun. This is definitely a comedy that should get a lot of festival attention and traction!

What a quirky, fun, creative monologue! It's clear that Lawing had a lot of fun writing it, and a lot of actors will have a ball performing it. The first thing I did after reading it was Google a couple of old Mr. Microphone ads. Oh, those were the days (and I'm old enough to remember them, (unlike this young, talented Lee Lawing guy. But, hey, I'm not bitter.) Mr. Microphone certainly is bitter--about growing old and accomplishing less than he'd hoped. Maybe less than he should have? It's sad. It's funny. It's moving. It's a real gem. Well done!

Fukt is moving because it is so unflinchingly honest. Thank you for this play. Read this play. Produce this play!