Recommended by Ken Love

Horror comics, "Tales From the Cript". David Hilder's "An Awkward Conversation on the Way to the Ice Dispenser" is as chilling as the frigid winter wind that blows through the story. As horrifying to hear as it will be to see.

Picture the characters in "Waiting For Godot" as hearing impaired. Then run with it. Philip Middleton Williams' "This Is Not the Cotswolds and You're Not Cameron Diaz" is a roaring comedy with a touch or two human empathy. Just like Mr. Beckett's play, without the long stare into the abyss. Enjoyable from beginning to end.

The Holidays and the family play or story very clearly work like hand-in-glove. Mr. Fenton's "The Wild Turducken" expounds on this in a delightful and compelling way. Politics, family contention and food! With a few doses of sardonic humor. Nicely done!

Without a doubt, this is definitely a play for our times. Hilary Bluestein-Lyons' "The Believers Market" is satirical as well as absurdist. It cuts and draws blood. And rightfully so. Nicely done, Hilary! Kudos!

I love it when a skilled playwright gives us a work in which the dialogue flows like a rippling stream and carries the reader (or the audience) down with it. The trick, however, is to have characters who are well grounded and dimensioned. And the fact the Sam Heyman, in "The Divorce Reunion", achieves this in such a short play magnifies his talent. I look forward to reading more from this playwright.

Anthropomorphic animals are not easy to render on stage. But Paul Braverman, with "Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer and Liked It", exceeds the challenge with a piece that's humorous and custom made for the holidays. Actors would have a blast performing this! (Just hide the eggnog!)

Absurdist. Funny. And human in quite an ironic way. Christopher Soucy's "Holiday Office Party For the Self-Employed" hits every incisive note with aplomb. Driven by characters who are wholly believable, this piece goes down like a shot of eggnog laced with a drop of good brandy. Well done!

Debra A. Cole's "Chimney Monster" is sweet while avoiding cuteness. And that requires skill. And talent in abundance. And I have to admit that I enjoyed the idea of a "chimney monster" - an idea which can be expanded upon in another play? Perhaps?

Mike Byham's "Do Not, I Repeat, Do Not Hang That Mistletoe Tonight!" is a short piece that works on multiple levels: as sketch comedy, screwball comedy, sitcom, farce. And on the highest level, at that. All with a touch of sweet irony. Lovely!

Brent Alles' "Unbelted" is a short glimspe into the world of "professional" wrestling that is both poignant and incisive. The emotional and psychological tension between the characters is so real as to be unbearable. As one who is not particularly drawn to this world, I found that Mr. Alles had created characters - like those in Mickey Rourke's "The Wrestler" - who are intriguing and captivating in and of themselves. Nicely done!