Recommended by Donna Hoke

  • Donna Hoke: First Class by Ellen Koivisto
    “

    A surprising and fun view of the life of the entitled, as seen from first class!

    A surprising and fun view of the life of the entitled, as seen from first class!

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: HUNT: A Political Drama by Jean P. Bordewich
    “

    A slice of political history that we might not know or remember, and that has repercussions we still feel today. Being introduced to a young Roy Cohn--knowing what's to come--is particularly chilling, as is the pervading feeling of helplessness against the powerful DC machine.

    A slice of political history that we might not know or remember, and that has repercussions we still feel today. Being introduced to a young Roy Cohn--knowing what's to come--is particularly chilling, as is the pervading feeling of helplessness against the powerful DC machine.

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: When We Get Good Again (formerly, Good) by James McLindon
    “

    What a fun, nuanced, and touching journey through student academics and the struggle to come out on top with one's morals intact. James has created a quartet of characters to root for as they defy the platitude of "You can be anything you want to be."

    What a fun, nuanced, and touching journey through student academics and the struggle to come out on top with one's morals intact. James has created a quartet of characters to root for as they defy the platitude of "You can be anything you want to be."

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: Man & Wife by Emma Goldman-Sherman
    “

    A master class in writing something that absolutely has to be on stage and not on screen. Highly theatrical, comic, and full of commentary that will leave you laughing, empathizing, and maybe a little disturbed.

    A master class in writing something that absolutely has to be on stage and not on screen. Highly theatrical, comic, and full of commentary that will leave you laughing, empathizing, and maybe a little disturbed.

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: The Lady Demands Satisfaction by Arthur M Jolly
    “

    Not everyone can set out to write a play that incorporates female combat and create a play that succeeds on all levels. Yes, the play delivers on that necessary element (it was a contest entry), but so much more as well. Humor is clever and consistent throughout. Women take center stage in smart and powerful ways. And the combat? It's not just included; it's organic and at the heart of the carefully constructed and absorbing plot. Brilliant response to a challenge!

    Not everyone can set out to write a play that incorporates female combat and create a play that succeeds on all levels. Yes, the play delivers on that necessary element (it was a contest entry), but so much more as well. Humor is clever and consistent throughout. Women take center stage in smart and powerful ways. And the combat? It's not just included; it's organic and at the heart of the carefully constructed and absorbing plot. Brilliant response to a challenge!

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: Call My Dead Wife by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons
    “

    This light history lesson is given comic treatment that a quintet of actors could mine to deliver the perfect holiday alternative to that OTHER period piece we see at the holidays. The humor is sublime.

    This light history lesson is given comic treatment that a quintet of actors could mine to deliver the perfect holiday alternative to that OTHER period piece we see at the holidays. The humor is sublime.

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: Straight Card by Nelson Diaz-Marcano
    “

    Cutting and uncomfortably hilarious, "Straight Card" is the holiday play everybody needs. Hopefully, the woke laugh but still have enough self-awareness to see the truth of this well-wrought play, and those with their eyes still closed will have them pried open at least a little. Great work!

    Cutting and uncomfortably hilarious, "Straight Card" is the holiday play everybody needs. Hopefully, the woke laugh but still have enough self-awareness to see the truth of this well-wrought play, and those with their eyes still closed will have them pried open at least a little. Great work!

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: How to Audition for a Play if You're a Girl by Emily Hageman
    “

    "My soul laughed." "My heart cried." What is humor but truth and pain and Emily Hageman nails it again.

    "My soul laughed." "My heart cried." What is humor but truth and pain and Emily Hageman nails it again.

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: EVERYBODY HATES MARIAH CAREY by Rachael Carnes
    “

    Don't let the title fool you; this anti-holiday plays it is the perfect antidote to the forced gaiety we feel compelled to achieve on what is really just another day of the year. Cynical about Christmas? You'll love it!

    Don't let the title fool you; this anti-holiday plays it is the perfect antidote to the forced gaiety we feel compelled to achieve on what is really just another day of the year. Cynical about Christmas? You'll love it!

    ”
  • Donna Hoke: Alabaster by Audrey Cefaly
    “

    Such a gorgeous, gorgeous play! Audrey has full command of both the pain and joy of living and the language to express it through exquisitely wrought characters. Bravo!!

    Such a gorgeous, gorgeous play! Audrey has full command of both the pain and joy of living and the language to express it through exquisitely wrought characters. Bravo!!

    ”