Recommended by Donna Hoke

Neighbor Jane takes you places you don't expect to go--and then leaves you there with your questions, which is the point. In our current world, we're being challenged to ask questions, seek the truth, and dig deeper when something doesn't feel right.

A poignant reminder that behind the tragic headlines there are families learning to live with grief in the public eye and then, sometimes even harder, continuing to live with it once the public has stopped paying attention. When is it worth reopening the wounds and how do we live with the scars? Thank you, TJ.

I was deeply struck by the sacrifices we make for both passion and progress, but this was one of just many themes skillfully woven throughout this poetic piece. Lovely work.

A strong character-based examination of the difference small connections can make and how commonality can overcome disparity. I have a similarly themed play so felt this deeply. Lovely work.

With intimate knowledge of his mythology, Weaver gives Aphrodite a platform to let loose with beyond-tabloid worthy gossip about all the gods' private lives. In doing so, the goddess puts the things she stands for--love, pleasure, and procreation--in unwinnable opposition and boldly challenges audiences to do the same.

Note to self: if you need a smile, go read a Mark Harvey Levine play. This one brings the goods as all Mark's play do--lots of laugh, sentiment, and truth, all perfect for the holidays. Love it!!

You always wondered *why* the Grinch had such foul motivation on that fateful Christmas and here's the explanation! Another story of fixations ruining a relationship. Oh Grinchy Poo--is it too late to get her back? Fun Grinchiness from another POV.

A palpable, painful, and poignant illustration of one of the most difficult parts of grief: the aching awareness that life around you goes on as this monumental thing has not happened. Relevant every day but particularly, despite being set at the dawn of 2000, now when we're all struggling and would do well to remember that we don't know the story of the person next to us. Themes aside, this skillfully wrought pieces also sets a highly theatrical scene. Important holiday fare.

A lesson to the wises; be careful of relationships with playwrights; they'll come back to bite you on stage lol!

There are so many things to love about this play from Rohrman's insider knowledge to the way she skillfully weaves past and present to create a feminist slant that also delivers the history of renowned comic strip and what it took to get it in print. Do we love anything more than a pioneering feminist grandma? This is a fun ride and the nostalgia for anyone who remembers Brenda Starr is just gravy.