The Necessary Disposal by
11 Aug. 2019
“
Uncomfortably thought-provoking, even bleak, but absolutely riveting from beginning to end. ”
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Doug DeVita
Recommended by Doug DeVita
- Miss American Pie by10 Aug. 2019“ Using a self-made video tutorial on how to make the perfect Apple Pie, Gwendolyn Rice deftly skewers everything we think we know about American History from 1587 up through election night 2016 (and beyond.) With every carefully measured and sifted word, the metaphors couldn't be clearer, couldn't be more apt, and couldn't be more perfect. A stunner. ”
- Cicadas by10 Aug. 2019“ With a beautiful economy of words, Kay Bullard evokes the oppressive weight of memory, truth, and the search for closure, as well as the unbearably hot and humid atmosphere of the small southern town where her intensely evocative "Cicadas" is set; it's a lovely example how to simply tell a story with robust characters and delicately powerful language. ”
- Reflection Becomes Narcissus by10 Aug. 2019“ Coleman perfectly captures trying to negotiate a way through that almost surreal, no-man's land existence one can experience after the death of a parent. Memories, conflicting feelings, the taking stock not just of their life but one's own... it's all here in ten mournful, almost excruciatingly authentic minutes. ”
- The Red Flags by9 Aug. 2019“ With characters who are dark, twisted, and swirling with psychoses, Castellani dares to present “The Red Flags” as a romantic comedy, and by and large, she succeeds. Improbably, one finds oneself rooting for the two main characters to get together precisely because they are so wrong for each other they’re a perfect match; despite all the red flags being raised throughout, these two could likely have a successful relationship... or they could kill each other. And that makes the play so delightfully suspenseful you hope the suspense will last.
And it does, long after it’s over. ” - Stage Whispers by9 Aug. 2019“ What a sweet and touching character study; Hoke captures different sides of wistfulness as she skillfully delineates her two characters in their different stages of life. Lovely. ”
- Stop Saying That by9 Aug. 2019“ Dark, bleak, repetitive (as its title suggests), and audaciously, hilariously funny rumination on the horrors of growing old. As Bette Davis said: “It ain’t for sissies.” ”
- Raw by9 Aug. 2019“ When Daly writes about family dysfunction she is on sure ground and she pulls no punches; using a fast-moving verbal shorthand, Daly’s aim in “Raw” is lethal, and she delivers a breathtaking blow to the gut and below. Harrowing. ”
- Carmaggedon by6 Aug. 2019“ This is one of the most frustrating one-acts I’ve ever read, and I mean that in the best way possible. Anyone who’s had to deal a with nightmarish bureaucracy will get this play, and be laughing their heads off in sympathetic fury as Bicknell skillfully piles on the obstacles her hapless heroine needs to overcome. Hilarious and fun. ”
- Petie by5 Aug. 2019“ Haunting, heart-breaking, and at times surprisingly hilarious, Lori Fischer's "Petie" rivets from first page to last. Parsing out information as needed with an exquisite command of non-expository exposition, Fischer steadily builds tension with each succeeding, beautifully written scene, her all-too-human characters maintaining interest and sympathy even when their actions are frustratingly obtuse, and even, at times, heinous. A sure ear for the rhythms of her characters speech adds a shimmering effect which is quite appropriate for a memory play, especially one as delicate, yet tough, as this one. A true gem. ”