Recommended by John Busser

11.04.25 - I was unfamiliar with what a skinwalker was. What a great concept for a tale of revenge. Robert Weibezahl introduces us to two young men about to have a much worse day than what they've already had. And boy, do we want to see it. The third character, bartender Kalli is the perfect agent of vengeance here, utilizing her knowledge of the local lore to her advantage. And leaving the audience to ponder whether the skinwalker is real... or real enough for Kalli's purposes was brilliant.

11.04.25 - If there's a scarier setting than a fraternity house bathroom, I don't know what it is. Daniel Prillaman takes us in there and shuts the door behind us. But not to worry, cuz the scariest, sassiest and funniest guide to love and sex is on the job. Bloody Mary is flat out mesmerizing with a look that kills and an attitude that slays. But if you listen closely, she'll get you through. This was fun from the get go.

11.04.25 - Kyle Walker's Stowaway is one of the best slow burns I've read in a while, there's a sense of unease right from the get go, but you don't know why. Perhaps it's the setting, a boat run aground where passengers wait for a raging storm to pass. The characters here are an eclectic mix which automatically gets you invested in their fate. When things (and people) start to... turn, it's so genuinely creepy. A perfect play for a spookfest.

10.24.25 - A true charmer by Emmy Kreilkamp. Sometimes, looking for enlightenment doesn't need to involve a search for it. It could be right where you are, with the people you're with as long as you're open to it. We get to see Rachel and Andy as they stand in line waiting for their chance to receive a supposedly life-changing hug. Their conversation throughout is enlightening in itself, and when they have their together moment, it's satisfying as all the hugs from all the gurus could ever be.

10.24.25 - A play like this works on multiple levels. Reading it evokes certain imagery you create in your mind. Hearing it read (as it was at the Midwest Dramatists Conference) adds nuance from. the actors. But a production with lighting and sound added to the mix would send it over the top. This is a moody piece that would kill onstage. I'd love to see that happen.

10.24.25 - If taking shortcuts using AI is what we're facing, than thank God for playwrights like Deb Cole who refuse to let the AI win. I have no doubt this exact scenario IS taking place today. Lots of people are just so willing to compromise their integrity for expediency. While the comedy here is spot on, this play has a lot more under it's skin that should send up some alarm bells. This is smart writing, and you can bet no Chatbot could realistically compare.

10.24.25 - Okay, THAT made me laugh! Which probably says more about MY sick nature than Evan Baughfman's. In one minute, you'll learn that sometimes Santa gives the naughty kids the good stuff (since, you know, EVERYONE knows where the North Pole is, and THAT'S a security risk). Evan's stuff is always its own little present unto itself, and having this one in your theatrical stocking will brighten up your holidays.

10.21.25 - Wow, I was actually feeling anxious here reading this. I wanted these two phobic kids to get out with their composure intact and their fears under control. I have to admit, Jim's snuck up on me and I laughed out loud when i learned what his was. Right there in plain sight and I missed it. That was some fun writing there from Katherine Vellis. Don't be afraid, give it a go...

10.21.25 - As a divorced nerd, I felt especially seen when I watched a reading of this at the Midwest Dramatist Conference. Marshall Logan Gibbs hits all the right notes (some a little too close to home) in hilarious fashion, and I wonder how my own theatrical show would depict the fallout should I choose to ever explore that avenue. Funny stuff.

10.21.25 - I read through this play by Doug Gearhart and was disturbed by the real world vibes it dishes out. Darkly funny but so close to inducing tears as well. Gus is being ground down by his life, his job, his friend(?) Al and it's starting to give you a pain in the gut, as you sense the inevitability of it all. Even the newscasts in the background seemed designed to play up the despair of a world on the brink. Let's have a continuation of Gus' story, to see if he can rise up from the muck.