Recommended by John Busser

03.18.26 - A reincarnated soul with too much back story runs into someone with not enough is an intriguing mix of characters. D Lee Miller takes us on a hunt for riches through some muddy waters (both figuratively and literally). One finds it in thoughts of past lives and the other through tangible found objects that engender their own memories. This play has hidden depths to it that, like a treasure hunt, offer up substantial rewards for those willing to look for it.

03.18.26 - A slow burn of a monologue that reveals more and more layers of Garrett as he instructs a new volunteer (and the audience) about taking care of those needing a helping hand. I loved Steve Martin's take on what it means to truly atone for past misdeeds, and how it isn't about just returning to the same level you were at before but about becoming much better than that. Truly two steps forward for every one step back. In that way we all benefit. Inspiring and humanizing at the same time.

03.15.26 - I couldn't help but liken Jerome's conundrum to the phrase "Back to the future" (not the movie, but the sentiment). Dylan sees the positives of going forward by looking back, but Jerome sees just the opposite. He hates looking back but deep down knows he may need to in order to secure a future. DC Cathro has put us on this see-saw of intent with two musicians and the audience gets to see if they can create music. Although personally I do love the name "VoidJump."

03.15.26 - There's nothing like the gigantic tsunami of feelings that sweep you up like the ones brought on by your first crush. ANYONE who has ever felt an almost painful longing for another person who may or may not even know you exist should immediately connect with this monologue from Scott Sickles. He makes you want to simultaneously go "God, that's me alright" and "Oh God, was that really me?" His ability to make you smile and cringe at the same time is phenomenal.

03.15.26 - Aly Kantor has a way of immediately sucking you in to whatever world she's fashioning and getting you invested in the characters right away. And she did it while teaching you about naming cows. I don't know how she does it, but she does it. And while Darcy's erstwhile heavier body is both the bane and the allure of this play, she tells it in a way that makes it relatable to everyone, regardless of body type. And it's funny enough to keep you in stitches. See what I did there?

03.10.26 - Breaking up usually involves some heavy lifting, whether metaphorically speaking or in this case, physically speaking. Mattie has had enough (apparently of Brooks' stuff) and it's time to take his treasure out to the trash. Robert Weibezahl was written a fast (although not fast enough for Mattie), fun, three-hander, and there's a lot of delight to be had for the actors and whatever physicality they can work out on stage.

03.10.26 - The irony of a killer working, not to destroy something, but create it, is too good to ignore here. Ken Love crafts a poetic (literally in this case) ode to a man whose nature is so opposed to his line of work and the results are fascinating.

03.09.26 - I think Bingo just taught me a new clowning technique. It's called "Throwing Winky under the bus". Granted, its a new act and all the bugs aren't worked out, but still... Poor Winky, if only HE'D been the clown that didn't talk, maybe he wouldn't have put his size 42 shoe in his mouth. This was a three ring fun time from start to finish and Dan West's characters had me chuckling throughout.

03.09.26 - Geez, I actually have a craving for a s'more now. Thanks Weaver, you clever bastard. This was one funny play about accepting your lot in life even when things get a little hot around the collar (or campfire in this case). I think the biggest hurdle will be finding a few children who can be focused enough to run circles around the marshmallows yelling "crackle crackle" for ten minutes. Perhaps a bribe with the real thing is in order.

03.09.26 - I love the dark humor of a clown on the way to his final act. Tickles feels justified in the actions that brought him here even if Father Todd doesn't, and listening to him recount the event makes us juuuuuuust a little bit on Tickles' side. Dan West excels at this type of disturbing character work and even if this is his final bow, Tickles walked into it, head held high, and not a cream pie in the face in sight.