Recommended by John Adams

I've seen readings of this play at the 2023 William Inge Theater Festival and the 2023 Midwest Dramatists Conference. Both readings were fantastic -- and just different enough from each other to show that Salsbury has crafted a great work that provides actors and directors a range of options, while still ensuring her own voice carries through. Really strong, memorable characters in a situation that allows them both to shine.

I saw a staged reading of this at the 2023 Midwest Dramatists Conference. I've been lucky enough to see readings of a few of Williams's shorter plays, and this is probably my favorite. The characters shine through with great dialogue and interesting motivations. The play is funny and sad, and I was intrigued by the lives of both characters -- before and after the 10 minutes we spent with them.

I saw a staged reading of this at the 2023 Midwest Dramatists Conference. Romero provides a piece that is equal parts sad and moving, with just the right amount of humor and oddity. The world is not one we know, but the characters feel real, and you are quickly invested in their situation. The ending will stick with you!

I saw a staged reading of this play at the 2023 William Inge Theater Festival. This is a great piece that goes from brutally funny to just brutal in an instant. I am impressed with how quickly I went from laughing at the comedy to aching at the drama. This would be a wonderful showcase for two performers, giving them a wide range of emotions in a short time.

I saw a staged reading of this haunting play at the 2023 William Inge Theater Festival. The playwright does a beautiful job amplifying the emotion in this short piece. From the very start, the play creates a sense of discomfort and anguish, and these sensations reach a crescendo. We are left with questions about what happens next but a sense that this part of the journey is complete. Very well done.

I saw a staged reading of this play at the 2023 William Inge Theater Festival. This one will definitely stick with you. Complex (in the best ways) but still very relatable. The world of this play feels very different than our own in many ways… but all too similar in others.

I saw a staged reading of this fun and surprising play at the 2023 William Inge Theater Festival, and what a delight it was! Debra Cole does a wonderful job setting up the complicated feelings that arise with a new family relationship — and then delivering on everything she set up. Very funny, and great button!

I saw a reading of this play at the 2022 William Inge Theatre Festival. The playwright does a masterful job layering humor on top of drama and drama on top of humor. You really get a good sense of who these characters are quickly. Their interaction here, which goes from strangers to friendly acquaintances to ... <I won't spoil it, but it's complex and rooted in family and rich backstory!> ... is handled brilliantly in just 10 minutes. Nice work!

I saw a reading of this great play at the 2022 William Inge Theatre Festival. This one packed a lot into its 10 minutes. The playwright did a fantastic job using humor, heart and philosophy, while always grounding the play in a realistic look at an important social-justice topic. And the characters were memorable and distinct -- I could have listened to them have these sorts of philosophical conversations for days!

I saw a reading of this play at the 2022 William Inge Theatre Festival. This is a very powerful piece centering on veterans and society. In a very short span of time, the playwright manages to say so much about the lives our service members have lived, at home and abroad. But what I found particularly compelling was everything the playwright had to say about how these veterans connect with (and are tempted to disconnect from) each other. Well done!