Recommended by Cherielyn Ferguson

Sometimes plays really ARE about life and death. This is a character-driven piece that’s absorbing at every turn. Casual reminiscences of past executions turn into a replay of the event itself, told by a young reporter who’s trying to process what he’s just seen for the first time. There are four good parts for a variety of ages—each with distinct viewpoints that never come across in dry, discussion-like dialog. Well done!

This is delightful! There’s a lot to be learned in the course of this short, fable-like play and it goes down easily and with great good humor. Ziggy the alligator spends his long life uniting people all over the world and his presence lets them express both their hopes and fears. The large cast makes Global Alligator an excellent choice if you have many actors, adult or teenage, available and eager to take part. And there are really no small parts—almost every role offers an opportunity for creative interpretation and fun. Press “Inquire About Rights” now!

This play is a great twist on the traditional prom night inspection of a girl’s date by her suspicious father. It offers excellent parts for a pair of older actors in the roles of the prom-bound couple who are REAL seniors, as well as a snappy part for a younger actor taking the part of the worried teen-aged grandchild. Lots of clever dialog and a laugh-out-loud ending make this play a perfect choice for theatre groups looking to utilize their older actors.

I was intrigued from the very beginning: the Lim family joyfully celebrates newly-gained American citizenship, a success promising so much happiness you know it can’t last. The environment/characters are highly specific, but the theme's universal: how do we fight to be what we want when that means defying cultural norms. I believed totally in the characters and the smart dialog is both funny and poignant. This is an ideal play for a company looking to explore family relationships and how the American dream can conflict with a father’s expectations developed well before his arrival in the US.

This tightly-written play shines a light on an important question: can an attorney effectively represent a client she believes to be in the wrong? Margaret’s wife Lee-Ann can’t believe Margaret’s even considering taking on a client who refused to bake a birthday cake for a lesbian couple’s son. I was left in suspense at the end: what will Lee-Ann decide to do now that Margaret’s confirmed her intention to take on the case? The New Client deserves a continuance so we can hear the verdict.

I recently had the pleasure of seeing this performed and it’s a hoot, a kick, and more. I was engaged throughout and was sorry when it was over. Each role offers a field day to imaginative actors willing to throw themselves into a wacked-out world that exists halfway between Sesame Street and Noir Avenue. More Arno, Omar, Zelda, and Mr. C—please!

There’s so much to love about this play. It contains two excellent parts for women, with sharp and funny dialogue. It also offers food for thought. Who knew Henry David Thoreau lugged his laundry from his cabin back to his mother’s house? That he took a restorative nap while his mother and sister washed his clothes. That his sister Sophia was equally intelligent and capable. If I were asked “what is this play about”, I’d say it’s about two women who might have achieved remarkable things if a man had stayed home to do THEIR laundry.

The Dating Pool should be a go-to for theatres looking to cast women in a variety of well-defined roles. Beyond offering that important element, the play also offers a creative exploration of how we look back on life decisions. Did we do the right thing? What were the consequences? Would we make a different decision based on what we know now? There are plenty of thought-provoking moments in this play that will linger. It will appeal to everyone.

This play provides what many theatre directors are looking for right now—a play that matters. Perfect explores an issue that has meaning for all of us and asks important questions. Is it possible to use genetic engineering in humane ways? How far can it take us and is it safe and morally acceptable to go there? Serious as that sounds, Perfect is perfectly entertaining with lively, smart dialog from unique characters. Filled with dramatically entertaining and often humorous scenes, this is a play I couldn’t put down until I knew how it all comes out in the end.

I love this play! It's totally engaging all the way through, well paced, and has really original characters. One of its greatest strengths is the specificity of its environment--there's nothing bland about it. It asks a question at the start that you have to get the answer to and I had no trouble at all sticking with it to learn the outcome for Lucille and Roy. Well done, Ms. Humphrey! Best of luck to you as MHH makes its way to more prominent productions.