Recommended by John Busser

09/13/24 - Wow, what an "experience" this was. The fact that it's an audio play is perfect for keeping the audience in the dark as much as Drew and Simone were. Evan Baughfman never disappoints with the way he builds your expectations up, then pulls the rug out from under you.I really thought I knew where it was going but Evan zigged a few ways before he zagged and I was left playing catchup. This is how you write an audio horror play. The sound effects just add to the tension. Chef's kiss!

Any James Bond send-up is going to fall onto my radar at some point, and it just so happens, Chris Soucy's did, and just in time. The jokes fly as freely as the bullets here and the puns here are both clever and cringe-worthy (as they should be!) Best of all, Chris probably knows just where he'd take an inevitable sequel to this. (Hopefully) Redshaw will return in You Only Pun Twice? Jokemaker? Never Say Knock Knock Again? I can keep going...

What a wonderful concept piece for both actors AND audience to take part in. Because make no mistake, the audience is just as important to the execution here as the actors. A study in relatability and connection. What's great is the audience isn't given any place to start from other than the sound design, which can evoke powerful memories. These memories can then color the stage and actors with a sheet of individual experience from each audience member. My hat is off to Emma Goldman-Sherman.

A well-deserved winner of the Sam French OOB, Jillian Blevins manages to not only make us laugh, but teaches us something we'd all do well to remember about our own sense of self worth. Doxy and Wilkin make a great comedy team in the best sense. Wilkin's straight man (even if he physically can't be one) perfectly complements Doxy's "Devil-May-Care" foil who isn't about to let a thing like waking up in a pillory ruin her day. But I just hope she hasn't started a public trend for squeezing cheese.

Oh that is scathingly funny, especially that last line. And how well this hits home. Not MY home specifically, but I know so many people on that other side of the political fence from my own (I am a Democrat and ally), and this monologue shines a dark light on those who present to you one way, while condemning in other ways. This is smart stuff, but then, it's from Scott Sickles, a master of blistering satire.

HAHAHAHAHA!. I literally said, "Oh God!" when I reached that second last line on the first page and laughed out loud. Like another recommendation for this from fellow playwright Morey Norkin, I'm envious of the fact that I didn't think of this. Jacquie Floyd has written a winner one minute.

We're all just trying to get through our experiences sometimes, aren't we? And divorce is one of the worst. Darrin Friedman shows us this with Nancy, a woman blindsided and discarded by her ex-partner. This monologue lays it all out, the frustration, the recrimination, the regret, the shame, it's all there. In one short monologue, we learn so much about Nancy and ourselves. After all, who hasn't been rejected by someone we cared about at one point or another? A terrific monologue for any actress.

Well, this hit a little harder than I thought it would. I have recently had a bit of personal experience along these lines, so I can see how Tim would want this for John. Our need for sharing stories is so ingrained in our psyche. We tell jokes, we pass on anecdotes, we share and borrow books, movies, etc. Philip Middleton Williams creates a warm, nostalgic feel to these characters and truly makes us want to participate in that experience with them. A wonderfully evocative play.

Jonathan Rand certainly has his finger on the pulse of the typical local news broadcast with their "everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink" approach to the news. The machine gun pace of the piece definitely works in it's favor and would be a hoot to see staged with rapid-fire delivery from the actors. And with everyone's reduced attention spans, this is a PERFECT comic gem to put out there. Funny stuff.

This is a case where if you take this play, you won't leave it. Jacquie is always adept at bringing warmth and soul to her characters, and it's easy to see here. There is charm and humor in abundance (Old man Art bringing the sass) and it was nice to see the positive influence Hayley and Angie had on each other. You get the feeling a much deeper friendship has just been found. A terrific piece for all actors involved.