Recommended by Ken Love

I am very fond of "The Shining" because the characters play such an essential part in the story. Which, for me, points out what is lacking in a great deal of contemporary "horror". Mike Byham's "Danny in I.T.", however, expands wonderfully (and horrifically) on those well drawn characters from the film and the book. And I love how the irony of it all mixes so well with what is frightening. Nicely done!

Someone once said that a satirist was akin to being a demolition expert. Steven G. Martin's "White Noise" is a biting satire that demolishes and draws a bit of blood at the same time. We so desperately need more of this kind of humor in these troubled times. Thank you, Mr. Martin for your acerbic contribution!

With a nod to Martin McDonagh's "The Pillowman", Mr. Mandryk, with "The Spa", has crafted a psychological parable that demands to be staged. I enjoyed every demented minute of this piece. Right up to the chill induced ending. I look forward to reading more of this gentleman's work.

Yes, I have an insatiable addiction to "noir", and to all things "noir". I sat and devoured Mr. Soucy's "Everything about me is a lie" in one short sitting. Afterwards, part of me was quite satisfied. The other half wanted to know more about this dame and the dilemma that she walked into. Which is what good writing is all about.

As someone who practically grew up in front of a TV, I've seen my share of courtroom dramas (and comedies, for that matter). Mr. Kaminski hits a short, dramatic, even comedic home-run with "The Prosecution Rests". Everything about this piece hangs on the twist at the end. And there's a nicely rendered and acerbic, spicy exchange along the way.

It starts very similar to a psychological vignette by Jerzy Kosinski, then becomes evocative of the wisdom of Robert Frost's poetry, finally ending as a parable of life's overwhelming conundrum's. Ms Xanthopoulou's "The Game" must be read, performed, thought over, discussed and argued with. Just like the game it symbolizes. A painfully real monologue.

My only issue with Debra Cole's "Alice" is that it could have gone on longer. And with Ms Cole's singular talent, there's no doubt that it would have been as sinfully engaging as in its original ten minute incarnation. Humor and horror have always gone down well. And Debra Cole makes sure that it's spiked with just a jolt of hooch. Nicely done!

Without a doubt, one of the best 2 handers I've yet read. A tortured relationship between a father and his son within a bar setting, engaged in the kind of incisive, gripping exchange that makes for the very best in American theater. Robert Weibezahl's "Birthright" is all that it needs to be in less than ten minutes. And speaks so tragically of our time. Skillful writing, par excellence. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Weibezahl's work.

Yes, the voices of this current "age of anxiety" are making themselves heard. And rightfully so. I would like to propose to Mr. Weibezahl to not let "Except - A Monologue" be the only monologue he drafts on this troubled era. Like Edgar Lee Masters' "Spoon River Anthology" or Robert Patricks "Kennedy's Children", give us a full evening of disparate, anguished readings. Please!

Yes, I admit to being a helpless fan of Mr. John Busser, who took the "stage" and gave us a splendid in-character reading of his monologue "Night of the Were-Wife" at the "Frightfully inspired" script readings. Mr. Busser should have, in fact, performed this in an actual bar. If he'd done so, I'd bet good money that everyone would have stayed to listen!