Recommended by John Busser

04.10.25 - Oh this one got to me. As someone who constantly talks to my dog (and listens when she talks back. And she DOES TALK BACK TO ME, I have no doubt) Rachael got me worried about BOTH characters. I actually welled up when Bailey's friend came into the room with the bottle. Her characterization of Bailey's unconditional love for his friend is so evident on the page. These became real beings to me. I can't praise it higher than that.

04.10.25 - I was so taken with these characters and their individual pains and stories that this feels a lot larger than a simple 10 minute play. Scott Sickles shows how intertwined our lives are with others. The tapestry is woven so tightly that pulling on any thread has consequences for all the others. And grief has a way of causing us to collectively huddle around those hurting, making those connections even more prevalent. Leave it to Sickles to bring us all closer.

04.10.25 - It's not everyday you get to hear a man doing a play-by-play of his own assault, but when the ne'er-do-wells are a roving band of mimes, and you have to hear it over a radio, well then, you've entered... the Weaver Zone. Hilarious and damned clever, this begs to be produced. I'd love to see the reaction from the listeners.

04.10.25 - It would be easy to portray a doctor as cold or unfeeling. That's the usual shorthand in these types of plays. But Chris Plumridge doesn't go there. And so his creation Dr. Khatri doesn't either. Which is why this play truly does no harm here. To the patient, OR the audience. He allows Richard his dignity at the end and shows us not only his heroism, but the doctor's compassion. This was just lovely.

04.07.25 - Christ, that last line hits like a freight train. A monologue that rightly should piss off everyone who hears it, because this kind of senseless bullying has got to stop. The lines that really got my mad on were those about the teachers and principal and bus driver turning a blind eye. I know it happens. You expect it from the ignorant to pick on those they consider inferior. The wrong person is going to suffer most here. I commend Don Baker for putting this in such an immediate way.

04.02.25 - This seems like the first in a series of mystery shorts that would be fun to stage. Abby Burgess should definitely bring them back (but not Tina!), and perhaps an audience member can be unmasked at each show because of these meddling kids. Fun, quirky characters, supernatural elements and some spooky music and you've got a winner here.

03.31.25 - Life is tough on the road, especially if you're on it. And standing still. Like Gwen was (metaphorically, of course). Then someone like Phil crosses your path. Much to his detriment it has to be said. This is a terrific little play concerning lessons about moving forward. And there's some great humor involved (love the character description of Phil) as well as some visuals. Nicely done.

03.31.25 - I always know I'm in for a rollicking good time with a Jacquie Floyd play, and this talent show/murder mystery is just that. Quirky characters, absurd situations, fast-paced banter and some great meta bits sprinkled throughout keep this thing moving like an out-of-control freight train. But of course, Jacquie is in complete control of this lunacy and she knows exactly what she's doing. The audience is gonna love this play. Just keep Merle away from the cupcakes...

03.30.25 - Deb Cole presents a heart-warming tale of past regrets and striking out while you still can. Agatha and Debbie both need a catalyst to move on to something new. And a place where travelers gather and disperse non-stop is the perfect place to do so. And while Agatha let a lot of opportunities get by her, Debbie is there to get her where she needs to go, all the while realizing it's time she did a little moving of her own. Missed flights can still lead to the perfect connection.

03.30.25 - Jesus, that was chilling. And, although "based on" Poe's work, it's disturbing in a way that Edgar Allen's audience may not have fully appreciated. Events like this are all-too-plausible in our growing-meaner-by-the-minute society, and the callousness of Monty is just another sign of it. Dan Prillaman builds the suspense in a masterful fashion, and I grew uncomfortable as hell as it unfolded. The last few pages will stay with you whether you want them to or not.