Recommended by Ken Love

Chilling. Vivid. And REAL. And that's the problem. Claudia Haas with "We Interrupt This Broadcast" has put us directly in the drivers seat of the ongoing tragedy in America. And, as this short play implies, it can only get worse. Brace yourselves!

As a sixty-six year old man, I am truly beginning to sense and appreciate the wisdom of the youth - because I know all to well how such wisdom was disdained by those of the older generation during my younger days. Kiernan Khanna's "Erstwhile (remember this moment)", is a tortured whisper that pierces the heart with unapologetic incisiveness. Beautifully written, like a parable for a lost time.

This is a unique and wholly engaging take on the revenge tale. With premonitions of the Women's movement and the Age of Reason, Kim E. Ruyle's "Wyoming 1879" is a play of ideas, the yearning for literature, death, high drama and the tumult of the American West. And I must mention the vivid and highly believable characters who drive this compelling piece. Kudos!!!

This is a fantasy that, in my opinion, reads/plays like a parable. And I love parables. And there's an all embracing morality tale hidden within this work that in no way feels preachy or heavy handed. Aly Kantor's "Because We Planted Flowers" involves a particular maligned group that is like nothing I've read before. Even if it does give a nod to C.S. Lewis' Narnia tales. Beautifully done, Aly!

For me, in this age of A.I. and CGI imagery, there is still something so utterly compelling and magical in watching a play or a scene from a film in which 2 people are seated and having a conversation. In my opinion, its like watching the exploration by the characters of one and the others inner multitudes. If that sounds corny, so be it. Sam Heyman's "I Love You More" hits me right where I live, without a single false note. Kudos!

The metaphors and symbolism populate this lovely monologue like the vegatables that are added to the soup and the wine that adorns the palate. Georgia Xanthopouou's "The Soup" is a tasty delight of a monologue. All held together by the unbridled hunger of Dionysus.

As someone who has a loved one who is suffering from dementia, I tried to avoid reading this piece from the day I saw the synopsis. Well, early this morning, I dove in and was not disappointed, if "disappointed" is the appropriate word. Marj O'Neill-Butler is without a doubt a writer of the heart. And her monologue "Long Term Grieving" makes its point with brevity and compassion. Beautifully done!

This is the first time, I think, that a writer has actually given that "voice within" an actual voice, and in the process created something that is, seemingly, wholly autonomous. Jennifer O'Grady, with "The Voice (monologue)", has drafted a short, barely 5 minute thriller that grips the reader from start to finish. I can only imagine the effect when performed by a live actor!

Surrealistic. Absurdist. Comic horror. When something like this is written and works so well, it's simply unforgettable. Lolly Ward has crafted an offbeat jewel with "The Drip". And I can only hope that it will soon reach a nearby stage.

Yes, Hitchcock, Stephen King, John Millington Synge's "Riders to the Sea" all come to mind, as well as any engaging detective story. It's also one of the most - if not the most - original ghost stories I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I say "ghost" story, but could it be something closer to a psychological thriller? In any event, Craig Houk has crafted something quite unique with "The Keeper's Quarters". This is a truly fascinating tale which merits many productions. Nice!!!