Recommended by Katherine Varga

  • Katherine Varga: To Saints and Stars by Jordan Ramirez Puckett
    “

    I read this play in a coffee shop and was so moved by the power of the language and craft that I ended up crying in public. It was worth it. It's like if Romeo & Juliet were about a platonic life-long friendship - but with a much more interesting ending.

    A must read for people who have had a childhood friend (or any friend), who enjoy compelling, nuanced women, and/or who feel that either science or religion doesn't get the respect it deserves. I would love to see this play produced.

    I read this play in a coffee shop and was so moved by the power of the language and craft that I ended up crying in public. It was worth it. It's like if Romeo & Juliet were about a platonic life-long friendship - but with a much more interesting ending.

    A must read for people who have had a childhood friend (or any friend), who enjoy compelling, nuanced women, and/or who feel that either science or religion doesn't get the respect it deserves. I would love to see this play produced.

    ”
  • Katherine Varga: Marine Biologist by Inna Tsyrlin
    “

    I had the pleasure of seeing this piece as part of Midnight Madness at Ohio University. Although it presents a bleak world, I (and the audience) were pulled in by the charming mother/son relationship and the theatricality of the swimming. This piece is a great demonstration of Tsyrlin's ability to call attention to serious issues (in this case, climate change) in a dynamic and engaging way. Would love to see it performed again!

    I had the pleasure of seeing this piece as part of Midnight Madness at Ohio University. Although it presents a bleak world, I (and the audience) were pulled in by the charming mother/son relationship and the theatricality of the swimming. This piece is a great demonstration of Tsyrlin's ability to call attention to serious issues (in this case, climate change) in a dynamic and engaging way. Would love to see it performed again!

    ”
  • Katherine Varga: Fireflies by Philana Imade Omorotionmwan
    “

    I LOVE THIS PLAY SO MUCH. A stunning demonstration of the power of theater to turn the past into the present; insects into lovers; desire into poetry. The use of repetition, music, movement, poetry, and imagery is masterful and exciting. Read this play if you want to feel your heart explode.

    I LOVE THIS PLAY SO MUCH. A stunning demonstration of the power of theater to turn the past into the present; insects into lovers; desire into poetry. The use of repetition, music, movement, poetry, and imagery is masterful and exciting. Read this play if you want to feel your heart explode.

    ”
  • Katherine Varga: This is How you Got Me Naked or My Sexy Fairytale by Catherine Weingarten
    “

    I'm usually not a big fan of sex farces, but I love this play to pieces. Two years later, I'm still thinking about how fun the Ohio University workshop production of this play was. I'd love to see the play done again!

    I'm usually not a big fan of sex farces, but I love this play to pieces. Two years later, I'm still thinking about how fun the Ohio University workshop production of this play was. I'd love to see the play done again!

    ”
  • Katherine Varga: THE LOST GIRL full-length musical by Ben Bonnema & Arianna Rose by Arianna Rose
    “

    Just when I thought I was tired of Peter Pan spin offs, I was proven wrong by a staged reading at Viterbo University. "The Lost Girl" completely transported me. The book and score blend seamlessly in telling the irresistible story of Wendy and Jane. The use of the Suffragette Movement and the rich family dynamics remind audiences that you don't need to go to Neverland to find danger, adventure, and magic.

    I went on an engaging and emotional journey just watching a workshop rehearsal - I would love to see how this piece soars with a full production.

    Just when I thought I was tired of Peter Pan spin offs, I was proven wrong by a staged reading at Viterbo University. "The Lost Girl" completely transported me. The book and score blend seamlessly in telling the irresistible story of Wendy and Jane. The use of the Suffragette Movement and the rich family dynamics remind audiences that you don't need to go to Neverland to find danger, adventure, and magic.

    I went on an engaging and emotional journey just watching a workshop rehearsal - I would love to see how this piece soars with a full production.

    ”