Recommended by Adam Richter

As a devotee of the original book, I am always intrigued by updates to Dickens' classic tale. This play is the best by a mile. Rachel Feeny-Williams updates "A Christmas Carol" with new characters, new genders and (importantly) new jokes. But she keeps the themes of the original intact, imbuing them with new urgency and relevance for modern audiences. I heard a fantastic production of this play on Feeny-Williams' "Theatrical Shenanigans" podcast and loved it. Check it out; you will too.

Outstanding and merciless satire of Hollywood, the Oscars, and the awards-bait movies that Have. An. Important. Message. In one minute, Greg Lam punctures the self-important balloons of "Crash" and its ilk. Bravo!

You had me at "ball gown."
Patricia Lynn's hilarious two-hander is a terrific play about friendship, class and knowing what to fight for. It's a wonderful piece that is perfect for two actors, a fight choreographer and a costume designer. They will all go nuts, and the audience will love them for it.

Satan, like George Bailey, has always had ambition. But sometimes it takes a visit from a guardian angel to help see things clearly. John Mabey hits all the right notes in this pitch-perfect parody of "It's a Wonderful Life." I laughed — and sometimes cackled — out loud reading this play, and I'm sure to see it on stage would be an absolute joy. Bravo!

"What Baggage" is a witty piece that would be perfect for older actors. Does love follow sex? Does sex follow love? Does it matter when one of you has a cat and the other a wall full of geodes? Kim E. Ruyle's short play explores these questions with lots of humor and heart.

I never would have imagined a loudmouth in a library would be a recipe for great drama, but Debbie Lamedman proves it can be done, and with great humor. And while it's hard to feel sympathy for Luke (and easy to identify with his fellow students, who are just trying to study), his phone conversation is as intriguing as it is rude.
This is a fantastic comedy for young actors. I would love to see it staged.

In life, Beethoven, Carl Reiner and W.C. Fields gave the world so much joy. In death — or at least in Philip Middleton Williams' hilarious short play — they continue to do so. I loved his take on "A Christmas Carol," though the three spirits aren't there to teach Steve morality; they're just visiting to have a good time.
It may not work for Steve, but it works for us, the audience.
I would love to see this in a night of holiday shorts. Bravo!

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.

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!

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.