Recommended by Adam Richter

  • Don't Touch The Carrot Cake
    30 Dec. 2023
    As fans of "The Great British Baking Show" well understand, the technical challenge is the nightmare of every amateur baker. "Don't Touch the Carrot Cake" turns that anxiety up to 11 in this brilliant satirical take on competitions, cooking and expectations of women. Emily McClain's brilliant comic timing is on point here, and this short play would be a wild ride for actors and audiences.

    A comedy worthy of the "Hollywood handshake" for sure.
  • TOADS!!! (an amphibious nativity play)
    29 Dec. 2023
    At first I misread the subtitle as "ambitious nativity play." I'm happy to report that "TOADS!!!" is both AMPHIBIOUS and AMBITIOUS, and a theatrical delight to boot. The relationship between Margot and Jodie is so grounded, so real, that when the titular toads arrive, the mayhem and the danger are that much more palpable. This is a terrific satire, a great morality play and a stark warning. I'd love to see this on a stage. Bravo!
  • An Angel Comes to Brooklyn
    26 Dec. 2023
    Does tarot work? Does it matter? What unfolds in the cards comes as a surprise to Serena and Brooklyn in this lovely two-hander. Though tarot — and Brooklyn's skepticism — are at the center of the dramatic action, the practice is never mocked or played for cheap laughs.
    This is a terrific play for two actresses and I think audiences will fall in love with it.
  • You Need Nutmeg in Fishkill
    21 Dec. 2023
    Wherever you think this play is going to go, it's not.
    That holds true on every. Single. Page.
    Steven G. Martin's hilarious and bloody play sends up sitcoms, the nuclear family, motherhood, the patriarchy and, of course, demon worship in spectacular fashion. It is twisted, it is gory and it is glorious.
    He says in the trigger warning that it's unproduceable. Prove him wrong!
  • The Grift of the Magi
    21 Dec. 2023
    If you're going to have a play with "Grift" in the title, there are few better targets than theatrical producers who charge playwrights for the privilege of reading their works. Jennifer O'Grady sends up the hellish submission process with abundant humor in this short holiday piece. While the target of her razor-sharp satire might be a specific group, audiences won't be lost as the Three Wise Men try to navigate the complicated world of theater.
    Producers: I double-dog dare you to put on this play.
  • On Growing Up (MONOLOGUE)
    19 Dec. 2023
    "On Growing Up" is a thoughtful and entertaining monologue that would be a great audition piece or an addition to an evening of solo shows. It's short but compelling from beginning to end, and the last line is absolutely perfect. Well done!
  • I Don't DO Holidays
    19 Dec. 2023
    Daniel Prillaman's "I Don't DO Holidays" exposes the absurdity of the season — well, ALL seasons, really — with memorable characters, clever dialogue and a climax that drives home the point of this play in a way you won't forget. I loved it.
  • AVALON WAVES
    19 Dec. 2023
    Dogs! Heightened language! WAWA!
    This lovely homage to Noel Coward has everything you could want in a short play. The dramatic tension paired with Charles Scott Jones' deft use of language turns this beach story into an absolute delight.
  • White Cotton, Black Light
    19 Dec. 2023
    "Will they/won't they" takes on a whole new urgency when the "they" in question are both in a hotel room in a 10-minute play. This comedy is an endearing look at Eli and Jeremy as they strip down to reveal their respective vulnerabilities. Bravo, Sam!
  • Carol of the Balls (a monologue)
    18 Dec. 2023
    The character description of Carol describes her as a "human honey badger" and boy, does Scott Sickles deliver on that promise. The journey Carol takes us on is as funny as it is horrifying. I couldn't stop laughing throughout this piece, performed by the amazing Miranda Jonte on Back Porch Theater.

    Make this part of your holiday repertoire!

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