Recommended by John Busser

I was stunned after reading this terrifying look at how our society really HAS failed our children. Greg Vovos not only gives us this ongoing conflict in terms that are nowhere near black and white, but the gray area he puts Godfrey and Kelsey in somehow seems like something of a solution. NOT A GOOD ONE, however. Godfrey may not realize it, but his intended target may not be the only casualty this day. That's what makes this story so important to tell. For the kids AND the "Adults in the room."

For this audience of one, I give this a resounding thumbs up. But of course, I don't wish to offend our opposable thumbless in the crowd, so perhaps I will give this a ringing endorsement. Although for the hearing challenged in the crowd, this may fall upon deaf ears. Needless to say, about how much fun this play is, I am at a loss for words to explain it, but those with aphasia will surely know what I mean. Paul Smith has written a winner here, even though I'm not sure anyone will read this recommendation as it contains triggers.

Now THAT was a fun time! Even as I was being creeped out, I was fascinated with where this conversation between Rory and a sleeping Tay (and possibly someone or something(s) else) was going. Trust comes with a price and in this case, that price may be just a bit to terrible to contemplate. And even in the midst of this uncertainty, Jacquie Floyd manages to insert some stress relieving laughs into the bedroom. I always look forward to her work, and this one was no exception.

Prince Charming may have turned into a frog, but this charmer from Nora Louise Syran is nothing but highest grade wine. Nora always makes her character interactions sparkle with wit and verve. Loved the sprinkling of French in here (look at Nora, making me try my best to pronounce it as I read in an outrageous accent). Some things are better left corked, but this play isn't one of them. This one needs to be let out and shared with an audience.

Relationships are always a battle of sorts. No necessarily fighting but skirmishes take place all the time, with one side gaining ground, the other losing it, then having the dynamic shift. It's a constant battle. So the talk of being excellent and equal in this play is a dicey one. Who determines it, who maintains it and who accepts or rejects it is always in flux. James Dimartino skillfully shows us this with Richard and Trish. Their solution for getting out from under these restraints looks to be just as interesting. James, let's see THAT conversation in a sequel.

A character piece from the Old Hollywood era is just what I needed to read right now, and this one comes in with rainy night vibes and goes down as smooth as a glass of bourbon. Tom Erb shows us how this based-on-true-facts story might have gone down, and if it didn't happen exactly this way, well then, it should have. Both characters are delightfully realized and at the end, I wanted the car trip to extend another 20 pages. I'd love to see this staged.

I was so caught up in Deb Cole's chilling confrontation between a mother who suffered the loss of her daughter and the friend who helped cause it, that I hadn't realized till after I read it that I don't know exactly what happened. And I didn't necessarily want to know. Whatever the circumstances, this was pain I didn't need to take on myself. Deb's characters are suffering enough for us all. Just terribly evocative writing from a playwright that knows exactly how to push buttons in the most intriguing way.

It's not hard to see the parallels between these characters and the reality we've lived in since 2016, and Tom Erb provides a much-needed comedic version of a truly despicable man's attempt to keep what isn't his. I want to see this continue so at least SOMEONE will get his comeuppance. C'mon Tom, let's see the aftermath!

What an intriguing story Chris Plumridge dishes up here! This story is about as "nothing" as an episode of Seinfeld, meaning it's very much about "something". Even the smallest of events can be of Earth-shaking importance to the right audience. Whether it's a proposal of marriage or a flight of fancy, Chris makes both events of equal significance in our eyes. So much for "nothing". Just terrific.

Man did I like this play by Dan Prillaman! Hat's off, Dan! What a novel concept, taking role playing and turning around the character dynamics. At first, I was as in the dark as Roan as to the reasons of this encounter. I don't want to spoil your fun of discovery either. But when you find out what's really going on, I hope it hits you like it did me. Needless to say, it was a game changer (pun definitely intended). This would be wonderful to see staged.