Recommended by Nora Louise Syran

  • Nora Louise Syran: The Oktavist by Vince Gatton
    “

    "Terrifying and glorious, all at once." The power--like what Lorca referred to as the "duende" --of certain voices that "climbs up inside you, from the soles of the feet." A voice, a call that rumbles, causes your very foundations to tremble. Love the image of the priest fixing the cracks. A lovely short play. Well done.

    "Terrifying and glorious, all at once." The power--like what Lorca referred to as the "duende" --of certain voices that "climbs up inside you, from the soles of the feet." A voice, a call that rumbles, causes your very foundations to tremble. Love the image of the priest fixing the cracks. A lovely short play. Well done.

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: A Ruby in a Sky of Diamonds by Christopher Plumridge
    “

    I love stories about midsummer night magic and this short play delivers magic, warmth and a twist! Sweet.

    I love stories about midsummer night magic and this short play delivers magic, warmth and a twist! Sweet.

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: Ashes of the Revolution by John Patrick Bray
    “

    Lovely. Crystalline: the love the two siblings share, their unique perspectives of the world, the atmosphere of the night air they're both ready to plunge themselves into for the sake of the other, the owl-themed pajamas of wisdom... Favorite line: "Mom’s gotta stop listening to Fox News around you."

    Lovely. Crystalline: the love the two siblings share, their unique perspectives of the world, the atmosphere of the night air they're both ready to plunge themselves into for the sake of the other, the owl-themed pajamas of wisdom... Favorite line: "Mom’s gotta stop listening to Fox News around you."

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: These Gilded Souls (A Great Gatsby) by Aly Kantor
    “

    Haunted Nick Carraway "addresses his ghosts" in this clever, faithful and yet highly original retelling of The Great Gatsby. It remains true exactly in the places it needs to remain true; retaining Fitzgerald's poetry in just the right places and yet --without losing any of the gilded gaudy jazz age atmosphere --brings this early 20th century story firmly into today. Characters like Nick and Jordan are redefined but also clarified. Even Kantor's stage directions show a clear and confident understanding of Fitzgerald's work: "A full blackout, like God has blinked." No wonder Kantor's premiere...

    Haunted Nick Carraway "addresses his ghosts" in this clever, faithful and yet highly original retelling of The Great Gatsby. It remains true exactly in the places it needs to remain true; retaining Fitzgerald's poetry in just the right places and yet --without losing any of the gilded gaudy jazz age atmosphere --brings this early 20th century story firmly into today. Characters like Nick and Jordan are redefined but also clarified. Even Kantor's stage directions show a clear and confident understanding of Fitzgerald's work: "A full blackout, like God has blinked." No wonder Kantor's premiere was sold out!

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    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: The Big Sneeze (or Much Achoo About Nothing) by Morey Norkin
    “

    Lesson for the day: You should never stifle a sneeze. I love Larry the clown, the fun dialogue, clever allusions throughout and the start of a beautiful friendship. Bravo, Morey Norkin for a fun and clever one act!

    Lesson for the day: You should never stifle a sneeze. I love Larry the clown, the fun dialogue, clever allusions throughout and the start of a beautiful friendship. Bravo, Morey Norkin for a fun and clever one act!

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: MRS. DUNN (a 10 minute play) by Marj O'Neill-Butler
    “

    A short, feel-good piece about a caring teacher and her student. In life, it takes so little to bring someone down and so little to raise them up as well. A good reminder to us all.

    A short, feel-good piece about a caring teacher and her student. In life, it takes so little to bring someone down and so little to raise them up as well. A good reminder to us all.

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: The Drummer Boy: A Musical by Jarred Corona
    “

    Highly original score. Entirely and horrifyingly still topical. For me, the line: "There were screams and gunshots. I swear they started harmonizing" captures the raw, lyrical, smart and fresh, layered play that it is. Bravo Jarred Corona.

    Highly original score. Entirely and horrifyingly still topical. For me, the line: "There were screams and gunshots. I swear they started harmonizing" captures the raw, lyrical, smart and fresh, layered play that it is. Bravo Jarred Corona.

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: I’m Worried About Lucille by DC Cathro
    “

    A delightful nod to Charles M. Shultz and his Peanuts protagonists. Loved it! From the opening sound effects of Lucy building her nickel-a-session psychiatric booth--a word her mother cannot even spell--to comforting themselves that at least they're doing a better job parenting than Pigpen's parents...I laughed and laughed. Bravo!

    A delightful nod to Charles M. Shultz and his Peanuts protagonists. Loved it! From the opening sound effects of Lucy building her nickel-a-session psychiatric booth--a word her mother cannot even spell--to comforting themselves that at least they're doing a better job parenting than Pigpen's parents...I laughed and laughed. Bravo!

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: The Ultimate Christmas Question by Rachel Feeny-Williams
    “

    Great fun! Rachel Feeny-Wiliams has a gift for comedy. The sparring between these two characters as to which Christmas movie to watch is just delightful. Neither wins, but neither loses either ;)

    Great fun! Rachel Feeny-Wiliams has a gift for comedy. The sparring between these two characters as to which Christmas movie to watch is just delightful. Neither wins, but neither loses either ;)

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: The Bear - Beginnings by Christopher Plumridge
    “

    I am delighted Christopher Plumridge is bringing his Bear to life. https://youtu.be/4_FvKCdw2XY. Cannot wait for number two...the blood trickling, the cuckoo bird...I'm intrigued...a vampire bear?

    I am delighted Christopher Plumridge is bringing his Bear to life. https://youtu.be/4_FvKCdw2XY. Cannot wait for number two...the blood trickling, the cuckoo bird...I'm intrigued...a vampire bear?

    ”