Recommended by Adam Richter

  • The Adventures of Pat the Exterminator: The Laboratory
    26 Oct. 2023
    "Ain't no money in mad science." Truer words were never spoken, but luckily for us the mad Victor Schmidt is devoted to his chosen career. This short two-hander is a laugh-out-loud sendup of the horror genre, with Pat the exterminator going toe-to-toe with Victor in a genial and surprsingly helpful way. I'd love to see this on stage. Two actors (and the audience) would have a blast with it.
  • BRITNEY, BITCH BARISTA: A MONOLOGUE
    25 Oct. 2023
    I love how Asher Wyndham immerses the audience in the world of his characters. In "BRITNEY, BITCH BARISTA" we all join Britney inside her hot, cramped Fotomat booth of a coffee stand. It is uncomfortable, sweaty, rage-inducing and thought-provoking. And so is the monologue.
    This is one of my favorite Wyndham monologues. Please, someone produce this.
  • Second Book Syndrome
    25 Oct. 2023
    Sam Heyman's gripping play isn't just a play about writer's block. It's a robust exploration about artistry, collaboration and what we owe the characters we create when we bring them to life on the page. The idea of an author's creations coming to life is a familiar one, but "Second Book Syndrome" deftly and cleverly mines uncharted territory. It's a brilliant play that I hope gets to come to life on stage soon.
  • Scott versus the Siberian Death Worm
    15 Oct. 2023
    In 100 years (give or take), once the Siberian Death Worms have taken over the earth, we puny humans will wish we had heeded Christopher Soucy's warning. This short two-hander is a hilarious take (or prediction) on the worst-case scenario stemming from reawakening a species that's been frozen for 46,000 years.
    Ignore it at your peril.
  • The Drought
    15 Oct. 2023
    "The Drought" is a hilarious monologue that cleverly plays on the author knowing exactly how the audience is going to misinterpret the conversation — and it works to perfection. I laughed out loud at the final reveal. Bravo!
  • That Moment When ...
    15 Oct. 2023
    A meet-cute romantic tale told in a way that I've never seen before. "That Moment When ..." is a brilliant piece of experimental theater that will delight audiences. Bravo, Steve!
  • Spooky U: Summer Break
    15 Oct. 2023
    Christopher Soucy's "Spooky U" plays are, by themselves and collectively, a wonderfully compelling set of mind-bending stories that pay tribute to and extend the world of Lovecraftian horror. "Summer Break" may be the mind-bendiest of all the mind-bending plays in this series, and I need to stop writing this review immediately so I can start on the next play in the series to see where he takes it.
  • There Were No Homoerotic Undertones, But At Least There Was Cheese
    10 Oct. 2023
    A lovely short play about friendship and love that, fortunately or unfortunately (depending on your per perspective), avoids the temptation to devolve into cheese puns.
    James and Bill have a beautiful friendship, and Martin explores the depth of that friendship with wit and heart. This play would be a treat for audiences as well as for the actors, as Martin has given them plenty of rich material.
    Finally, I have to give Steve Martin credit for NOT naming this delightful two-hander "How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Wheys."
  • A Crossing
    7 Oct. 2023
    Sometimes connecting with the right person is all about the timing. In Lee R. Lawing's tender and hopeful two-hander, Heather and Joey, two strangers, each carry the burden of grief but they do so in different ways. A beautiful, stage-ready play that lingers long after the lights go down. Bravo!
  • Colic
    12 Aug. 2023
    Sometimes children become host bodies to demonic possession because of an eternal battle between the divine forces of good and evil.

    Sometimes they just do it for the attention.

    Melissa, the mother of such a hellion in "Colic," thinks it's the latter, and her nonchalant attitude is just one highlight of this hilarious sendup of "The Exorcist." Of course, as a Scott Sickles play, this is no mere parody. "Colic" examines parenthood, relationships and figuring out what we really want in life. I would love to see this on stage.

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