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Brian Cern

Recommended by Brian Cern

  • It Was An Accident by April Lavalle
    18 Apr. 2024
    “ In a clever piece about two friends discussing how their friend passed, Lavelle deftly explores how quickly speculation can escalate into something much bigger.

    Fast-paced and witty, I would love to see this performed in a black box setting. The intimacy that such a situation brings would add a whole new level.

    Well done, and I look forward to reading more!

    Side Note: As a Brian from Minnesota, I felt I was part of this story! ”
  • Don't Preach at My Funeral (Ten-Minute Version) by Marshall Logan Gibbs
    26 Feb. 2024
    “ Another fine example of a family drama in ten-minute form that absolutely shows potential for expansion into a full length.
    A funeral serves as the backdrop for a discussion between a mother and child on how Mother continuously fails to see her children for who they are. Although the generation clash over gender-identity trope is getting a hair over-done, Gibbs brings some fresh air into it by injecting come comedy into it. Which may be exactly what it needs. Isn't it easier to illustrate your point by holding the audience's attention, rather than berating them with another sob tale? ”
  • Another Henry by Lynn Millar
    23 Feb. 2024
    “ I want more of this! The idea of historical characters in therapy, providing a modern light to their actions, is just rife with possibilities!! A fantastic journey into the mind of one of histories most famous individuals in an insightful, albeit comedic, manner. ”
  • Keep Smiling by Melinda Szarvas
    23 Feb. 2024
    “ A wonderfully theatrical piece on the defensive tendencies of humor. Szarvas pulls the mask off of the laughter, allowing sunshine into the wounds of the character’s psyche. Insightful and moving, I would love to see this staged in a black box, where the intimate space would add to the self-examination. Well done. ”
  • Dear John by Cam Eickmeyer
    21 Feb. 2024
    “ WOW!

    This is one of the most gruesome, most original, darkest comedies that I've read in a long time! It leads you down a simple and predictable road, then flips all expectations on their head.
    THEATRES: Quit being so squeamish, and produce this play!! ”
  • Lost Lamb by Wendy Vogel
    21 Feb. 2024
    “ A heartfelt piece of a daughter coming to grips with the wrongs that her father has committed against her, "Lost Lamb" is presented in a competing monologue style, where the daughter takes the father's own words and contrasts them against his actions.
    Her story, sad though it is, is one of victory. That, despite all efforts, she has ended up alright. However, mixed with that triumph, there is a tinge of regret at what could have been. But, keep your face to the future, and call out the hypocrisy when you see it.
    A wonderful offering from Vogel. Highly recommend. ”
  • A Hundred Years by William Meurer
    20 Feb. 2024
    “ The application of a fairytale to a modern sensibility is a difficult business. It requires knowing the original material well enough to shape it into a new (but recognizable) shape; as well as maintaining enough faithfulness to the source material that you don’t alienate people.
    Meurer manages to flip the Sleeping Beauty narrative enough to accomplish both of these asks admirably. A sweet take, with a well placed casting requirement, it was a joy to read. I look forward to reading more of Muerer’s catalog. ”
  • When the Heart is Freed by DC Cathro
    20 Feb. 2024
    “ Gritty in dramatic, simultaneously like and different than it's inspiration, "When The Heart Is Freed" is a sequel to Cross' "The Cage Which Holds a Heart" that perfectly honors it's original without being dependent on it. A sequel, it requires zero knowledge of its source material, allowing to function excellently as a stand alone play.

    At face value, it's an atmospheric, tense, cop interrogation, in which the officer is questioning a possible suspect for a murder. Tensions run high, the stress is palpable.

    Digging deeper, it examines the effects of an unintended consequence. A brisk procedural, that should be performed. ”
  • THE CAGE WHICH HOLDS A HEART by Monica Cross
    20 Feb. 2024
    “ Ms Cross tells you more about character in a few words of scenic description than most writers do in an act and a half.

    Part surrealism, part steam-punk fantasy, "The Cage Which Holds A Heart" makes a reality out of a metaphor about keeping your feelings "inside." At once both tender and dark, it reaches an almost liberating tone as one of our protagonists finally breaks free of their past.

    A wonderful script, a fantastic read. ”
  • Dead Name by Raine Storm Saari
    20 Feb. 2024
    “ Lately, I've ready many plays with similar themes as "Dead Name." This, I am relieved to say, is one of the precious few that didn't feel like I was being lectured. A play about acceptance, healing, and the paranormal, "Dead Name" brings its point forward in the sweetest, most approachable way possible. Lovely, I hope that I am allowed the gift of seeing this on stage.
    ”

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