Recommended by Doug DeVita

Short, sweet, and totally winning, this play lingers in the mind and heart long after having been read. Both characters are delightful, and together they create a memorable, non-sexual chemistry that drives the work forward with a wonderfully loopy, but sincere energy. I'd love to see this staged.

A truly magical work, stunning in its breadth and intimacy, inventive in its use of language, and filled with dazzling imagery – a theatrical work in every sense of the word. Beautiful, haunting, provocative, and as I said before, truly magical. I'd love to see it staged.

Another opulent period drama from Kenneth N. Kurtz, in "Chiaroscuro" Kurtz plays with light and dark as nimbly as the artist Caravaggio plays with his model's emotions and memories in order to get what he requires for his painting. Drawn in both broadly deft and intricately detailed strokes, the play builds like a rough and tumble dance of seduction, but who is seducing whom? Ultimately, it's Kurtz who seduces us, with the sheer sensuality of his writing and the dynamic, constantly twisting (and twisted) relationship of the two main characters. Great, dark fun.

Rich in atmosphere and period detail, Robert Weibezahl's "And Lightening Struck" recreates the world of Mary Shelley, and how she came to write "Frankenstein." It's a romantic, poetic, and intimately fascinating work, opening up a new perspective on an old classic, and the woman who brought it into the world.

A fascinating look at seduction, lust, and inexperience – at The Eagle, of all places – that moves and builds momentum like a modern chamber musical. At once both funny and poignant, it's a wonderful showcase for an older and younger actor.

Using heightened language, Ken Kurtz' elegant little jewel is a constantly tilting dance of seduction, "a kind of martial minuet" as Kurtz describes in his stage directions, between Napoleon and Tsar Alexander as they attempt to "gobble up Europe" – the use of food as a metaphor is exquisite – and each other. An opulently stylish period piece, it's also a great showcase for two actors and a dream job for designers.

A truly stylish, theatrical equivalent of a "popcorn movie," Abley captures the feel of Los Angeles, and Hollywood in particular, in this film-noirish tribute to all things movie. Endlessly fascinating, like any crack entertainment "Popcorn Girl" leaves you on the edge of your seat as the intricate plot unfolds, always one step ahead of you, and always good, thrilling fun.

Daniel Holzman's "There Will Always Be A Moon Over Marin" makes quite a powerful statement about gentrification; the horror in this elegant chiller comes as much from what's not being said as from what is, and the fog engulfing everything is both atmospheric, and metaphoric. Creepy, intense, and provocative.

Jesus God, what a powerful piece of theatre! And oh, so horrifyingly possible if, God forbid, this country continues down the road we're on. That alone is a reason for Daly's work here to be produced. Loudly. And often.

3 moms, 1 doll, and ten minutes of scathingly funny social commentary, with an unexpectedly touching twist at the end that puts it all in sharply defined perspective. Terrific.