Recommended by Adam Richter

This is the most rational response to the most irrational of holidays. I loved it!

[2025-02-01]

Showing that haiku can both horrify and delight, Deb Cole takes us on a funny and sweet journey in this short play about a frustrated English teacher. Not to give anything away, but we quickly learn that he has reason to be frustrated, and what happens feels both hopeful and fully earned. Highly recommended!

Not all inheritances are welcome, and not all curses are deadly. This short play had me rolling, as Daniel Prillaman's comedies often do. The ending, which I won't spoil here, is perfect and utterly surprising. Bravo!

What I love most about D.C. Cathro's plays is the way he so effortlessly infuses the gruffest characters with the most tender humanity. "Second-Hand Spiral Ham" left me feeling hopeful because it shows that while it's easy to treat others — including loved ones — with casual malice, it's just as easy to treat people with boundless love. This is a beautiful piece.

Hilarious from start to finish — including the stage directions — "Daydream" is a comic masterpiece that had me rolling. I think Heather has the right idea for how to cope with in-laws, holidays and — *waves arms* — you know, everything else.

[2024-12-29]

So THAT's how it happened!

Dominica Plummer answers the question we've all been wondering for close to two centuries: Why did the Christmas ghosts haunt Scrooge?

If you want to find out, you'll have to read this fun, witty and insightful short play that adds more depth to the "Christmas Carol" canon. I loved this and audiences would too, whether at Halloween, Christmas or any other time of year.

[2024-12-29]

Come for the reliably great Sicklesian characters, whose relationship and backstory are so rich and fascinating, but stay for the absolutely bonkers mystery. This delightful two-hander is funny and heartbreaking as only Scott Sickles can do. Bravo!

[2024-12-29]

Elephant and Old Clown are two of the most endearing characters I have come across in a long time. I loved this tender, funny and insightful piece about two circus performers and longtime friends who wind up at the "wrong" Hollywood and Vine.
Is it really the wrong one? Produce the play and find out!

[2024-12-29]

Families would be great if not for all the people. While Marvin and Paige have obligations to meet, they're not all that enthusiastic about going home for the holidays — with good reason. The connection they form in Philip Middleton Williams' lovely short play is all the holiday magic either of them, or we audience members, need. A relatable short piece that would be a welcome addition to any festival.

This play perfectly encapsulates the emotional journey I (and I imagine many, many others) took in the aftermath of the 2024 election. "Wetiko Principle" is full of laughs, righteous anger and, most importantly, wisdom. In 10 minutes it offers us a way forward, and that is invaluable.