Recommended by Vince Gatton

  • Vince Gatton: Eight Minutes, Twenty Seconds by John Yearley
    “

    A married couple goes through a long dark night of the soul, and it's a gripping journey. This marriage feels lived-in, each person vividly real, complex, and human. John Yearley avoids all the pitfalls of exposition between people who know each other well, and allows backstory, secrets, lies, and half-truths to be revealed in ways that feel entirely natural -- without ever losing their dramatic punch. In this battle of wits, wills, and hearts, what could "winning" even look like? This smart, suspenseful, sad, and beautifully humane play manages exactly the right answer.

    A married couple goes through a long dark night of the soul, and it's a gripping journey. This marriage feels lived-in, each person vividly real, complex, and human. John Yearley avoids all the pitfalls of exposition between people who know each other well, and allows backstory, secrets, lies, and half-truths to be revealed in ways that feel entirely natural -- without ever losing their dramatic punch. In this battle of wits, wills, and hearts, what could "winning" even look like? This smart, suspenseful, sad, and beautifully humane play manages exactly the right answer.

    ”
  • Vince Gatton: Alban's Garden by Rich Espey
    “

    A powerful visual metaphor undergirds this taut, suspenseful little drama. Two women seem to be speaking past each other throughout, but each pleasant evasion or polite non-answer reveals an ugly battle of wits. A profound little gem about something important, and a terrific example of leaving a lot unsaid without ever losing clarity.

    A powerful visual metaphor undergirds this taut, suspenseful little drama. Two women seem to be speaking past each other throughout, but each pleasant evasion or polite non-answer reveals an ugly battle of wits. A profound little gem about something important, and a terrific example of leaving a lot unsaid without ever losing clarity.

    ”
  • Vince Gatton: ON THE ROOF by Donna Hoke
    “

    Takes us back to the bad old days of gay life in America, through a strong sense of place and rich, funny, sad characters. The motley denizens of this secret club speak in the hard-boiled, wise-cracking patois of film noir, nicely underscoring the danger inherent in their life on the margins of a hostile society. Effective use of music and time-shifts as well.

    Takes us back to the bad old days of gay life in America, through a strong sense of place and rich, funny, sad characters. The motley denizens of this secret club speak in the hard-boiled, wise-cracking patois of film noir, nicely underscoring the danger inherent in their life on the margins of a hostile society. Effective use of music and time-shifts as well.

    ”