Recommended by John Busser

10.21.25 - Scott Sickles may be known for his sick sense of humor, I have to acknowledge his capacity to write flawed, yet relatable people. Here's a wonderful example. Max, still affected by his wife leaving a year ago, is nevertheless bucked up by Ingrid and Gunnar in their own fashion and the results are so very human and heartfelt. (Although I will say that Gunnar reminds me of the author's biting wit and sass.) He never makes you think he's JUST writing jokes. He's writing us.

10.20.25 - Well it's about time the cats got their revenge. Or not. They won't know unless they open the lid. But... anyway, what a fun little play experiment from Brian Cern! I loved a lot of the little dialogue touches (These might not mean much out of context, but they made ME laugh - "Give or take.", "What’s Hamdingers’ cat?", "That's sexist! They're cats!") Fun with a little existential food for thought. Can't ask for more than that.

10.20.25 - I just saw this terrific meet-cute-at-the-end-of-the-world at the Midwest Dramatists Conference and it was a delight. Don't let the end of life on Earth as we know it make you think Brent Alles only writes fun popcorn plays. There's some heart and soul to this piece that lets us know that even with doomsday approaching fast, there's still time for true warmth and connection between the characters. Just perfect.

10.15.25 - Nice to find a purpose after you’ve come back from a vacation in a haunted hotel as Danny has. He and Wendy are doing good work (even if Bob doesn’t think so) in the funny yet spooky comic horror short from Mike Byham. I hope they take a shine to Bob (see what I did there?)

10.10.25 - Wow! I never thought I'd react to a horror-play-as-wish-fulfillment before, but this one does it. Oh, if only this could actually happen. A great takeoff on The Exorcist, mixed with the frightening political landscape of today, this short by Nora Louise Syran is timely, edgy and surprisingly funny in parts (loved the mention of the real-life meat-eating squirrels, just another twist of the crazy-meter in 2025). A great addition to a night of spooky short plays!

10.10.25 - I LOVE this play! I was enamored of the bantering dialogue between the characters. Each with a distinctive personality, each with a valid point of view. It kept me guessing where this would go which is what you want in a play. Morey Norkin though, isn't content with a light hearted meet-cute scenario. Oh no, he gets to that last page and like a slap in the face with a wet fish, he adds in an important facet to their relationship and how they react to it. Eye opening to be sure!

10.09.25 - I don't know what's more horrifying, the dead bodies turning up, or law enforcement looking for ANY reason to pin the blame on the trans person, NOT for any actual evidence, but for being different. How very... realistic in this day and age. Chris Soucy hits the target squarely here, from the cyclical absurdity of the arguments to the final, shall we say, cutting remark. This was dark, satirical and nasty. In the best way.

10.08.25 - There are no overwrought histrionics, no needless melodrama, no overt manipulation of the audience's feelings. We merely get to see a small light go on in someone's mind at a fundamental change taking place, with one character providing support to the other who needs it as this happens. The quiet matter-of-fact delivery here lends this piece it's power. We don't need anything else. It's just beautiful.

10.06.25 - Ooh! All this needs is the Crypt-Keeper to introduce this ghoulishly fun little tale. Kudos to Ryan Kaminski for putting some chills in a play about cremating bodies. I love these kinds of quick and dirty tales of revenge and comeuppance. Would love to see somebody attempt this on stage. Let the audience wince as they hear Clara screaming from inside the coffin as it enters the furnace. Perfect for a spooky October show.

10.06.25 - It's all fun and (blame) games until somebody gets stabbed. These nymphs have more than kissing and frolicking on their minds, and somebody isn't getting out of the woods today. You can always count on Matthew Weaver to put a twisted spin on what should be a somewhat standard fairy-tale, making it into something way more entertaining. And we didn't even NEED an ogre onstage to do it! That's some good writing.