Recommended by Marj O'Neill-Butler

So much in life can be painful and I don't mean physical pain. Sickles monologue about growing up as a mixed race child is hurtful to the core. Who says injuries leave a scar? Sometimes the most lingering scars are in your head and heart. A beautiful and deeply felt monologue.

I love the idea about being free of physical restraints to be able to "be" with the people (person) you care about. Just to be. A short two hander that gives us a lot to think about for the end of life.

This short monologue is about as dark as it can get. But it speaks the truth about many things. It makes me want to do better in this life, or I'll be sent to his hell.

Life can be so fleeting. This beautiful short play addresses the joy of experiencing something you might not get to see later on. There is both joy and sorrow in this piece, just like in life. Three great female roles, too.

I wish there were more Bert’s in the world. Tried and true and so kind. A lost young woman runs into him on a lonely, non-active train station. She’s stuck, but he makes the best of it for her. A lovely chance meeting.

There is something about our pasts that we need to know. Who we are and where we came from. Camille is stalwart in seeking her great grandmother’s grave. There’s a funny bit of humor in this piece and an underlining friendship with her two male compatriots that works very well.

This vivid monologue doesn't say what actually happened, but talks about the aftermath. Of inhaling ashes of things you don't want to think about. Of rebuilding but never forgetting.

Sometimes the unexpected is more shocking than the actual event. A slip on a patch of ice gives instant perspective to a young and healthy man. The recovery happens, but the scar is ever lasting. This is touching monologue about a man whose life changed in an instant.

Aunt Patty, you are something else! One of those gorgeous dames who might be past her prime but wont give into it. This delightful monologue zings along as she recalls sharing a taxi with a boring young man. Except he might not be that boring after all! Deserved winner of the Hear Me Out Monologue Competition. For a good time read Aunt Patty.

I like the twists and turns that I didn't expect. An honest conversation between two strangers. The truth telling feels good, and this short play zips right along. Great two hander for two women over 40.