“ Pulling off this rigorous a style exercise would be a feat on its own -- the strict minimalism of the dialogue, the fine-tuned timing of the physical bits, the precision of the repetition and variations -- but to also have the form so perfectly reflect the emotional terrain of its main character makes it a triumph. The coup de théâtre Michael O'Day pulls off is a joy to witness, and the feelings it evokes run the gamut. Sweet, funny, sad, and extremely satisfying. ”

“ So, listen: I'm the villain in this monologue. I'm the coulrophobic. And for the record and in my defense: it's not because of Pennywise or Poltergeist, it's a visceral thing that predates both -- but we can get into that later. To the point: Occasionally people write really great stuff that makes me see and/or think about clowns, despite myself. (See also Adam Szymkowicz's brilliant and triggering Clown Bar.) In RESPECT THE NOSE, Monica Cross has written a witty, moving, and entertaining cris de couer/rallying cry/showstopper that demands my admiration, heebie-jeebies be damned. Respect, Cozymittens. Respect. ”

“ A life of quiet desperation, on the cusp of something transformative. Or maybe...not. If drama lies in characters making choices, GULF nails the assignment, capturing Ellis at a moment where their whole life balances on a knife's edge. Miranda Jonte's natural, almost casual dialogue deftly conveys worlds of heart-catching history in few words, and works in hushed contrast with the hugeness of the moment. She also provides a Rorschach test for the viewer: is this a tragedy? Or the start of something magnificent? We're left to wonder and to guess, but not to decide. Haunting. ”

“ I have mixed feelings here: one the one hand, this is a very funny, very fun short that would absolutely kill in a short comedy festival; on the other, I now know that I've been targeted, likely my whole life. There's no other explanation.

And once you know something like that, you can't un-know it.

Thanks, Mandryk. Thanks a lot. ”