Recommended by John Busser

  • John Busser: The Wrong Jen Harper by Steven Hayet
    “

    02.15.25 - A completely relatable take on establishing your own identity in a world where you're judged against others before they get to know you. Even worse, this is a shared identity. What's an actor to do? Steven Hayet lets his Jen Harper flag fly when the titular character has had enough of living in her own namesake's shadow. This is funny and sad at the same time and well worth your time.

    02.15.25 - A completely relatable take on establishing your own identity in a world where you're judged against others before they get to know you. Even worse, this is a shared identity. What's an actor to do? Steven Hayet lets his Jen Harper flag fly when the titular character has had enough of living in her own namesake's shadow. This is funny and sad at the same time and well worth your time.

    ”
  • John Busser: Squatchin'! by Brian Cern
    “

    02.15.25 - I'm certainly glad to see Bigfoot getting to show his fun side. Brian Cern's comedy let's us see how the hairy guy handles intruders in his territory (A lot more benign than we would if circumstances were reversed, no doubt). Plus, he recognizes that these "hunters" are about as effective as a back pocket on a shirt. I also got a kick at Brian having Bigfoot extend his territory into the audience, even acknowledging them. Would love to see someone attempt to pull this off.

    02.15.25 - I'm certainly glad to see Bigfoot getting to show his fun side. Brian Cern's comedy let's us see how the hairy guy handles intruders in his territory (A lot more benign than we would if circumstances were reversed, no doubt). Plus, he recognizes that these "hunters" are about as effective as a back pocket on a shirt. I also got a kick at Brian having Bigfoot extend his territory into the audience, even acknowledging them. Would love to see someone attempt to pull this off.

    ”
  • John Busser: 37 Origami Bees by Mike Byham
    “

    02.15.25 - I gave a big 'ol AWWWWWWWWW when I read this. A touching look at one man's attempt to bring some light into his wife's darkness. The police may have handed Larry 37 lemons, but with the proper insight and some origami folding, he made the sweetest of lemonade for us all. Really nice, Mike.

    02.15.25 - I gave a big 'ol AWWWWWWWWW when I read this. A touching look at one man's attempt to bring some light into his wife's darkness. The police may have handed Larry 37 lemons, but with the proper insight and some origami folding, he made the sweetest of lemonade for us all. Really nice, Mike.

    ”
  • John Busser: 37 Origami Bees by Nora Louise Syran
    “

    02.12.25 - Its a small scene, a little over a minute, but it has big implications. How we engage with the world, choosing as the Child did, to let the bee go about its way, or attack it, as Bjorn did and risk hurt. It says more about us. Are you one to let the bee just, be? Nora Louise Syran gives us something important to think about. And in under 2 minutes? That’s impressive.

    02.12.25 - Its a small scene, a little over a minute, but it has big implications. How we engage with the world, choosing as the Child did, to let the bee go about its way, or attack it, as Bjorn did and risk hurt. It says more about us. Are you one to let the bee just, be? Nora Louise Syran gives us something important to think about. And in under 2 minutes? That’s impressive.

    ”
  • John Busser: 37 Origami Bees by Jennifer O'Grady
    “

    02.12.25 - Sex and politics rarely mix, but they do so here. At least by politics, I speak of activism. Bebe wants to take action against what she sees as extinction of her kind, while Benny wants a little action of his own (maybe as a way to extend the species?). This is a charming take on the (birds and) bees and taking a stand by Jennifer O'Grady, and it's delightful and as delicate as the titular bees being made by the kids. Connect with it today.

    02.12.25 - Sex and politics rarely mix, but they do so here. At least by politics, I speak of activism. Bebe wants to take action against what she sees as extinction of her kind, while Benny wants a little action of his own (maybe as a way to extend the species?). This is a charming take on the (birds and) bees and taking a stand by Jennifer O'Grady, and it's delightful and as delicate as the titular bees being made by the kids. Connect with it today.

    ”
  • John Busser: 37 Origami Bees by Kieran Khanna
    “

    02.12.25 - We don't get many Bee-themed fairy tales amidst all the wolves and giants, so Kieran Khanna was only happy to oblige. Nice to see even the royal among the swarms out there have trouble finding true love. This is a light, buzzy comedy with a few action moments thrown in to keep things moving. I loved the resolution too. Origami Alligator gets a treat just as the audience does.

    02.12.25 - We don't get many Bee-themed fairy tales amidst all the wolves and giants, so Kieran Khanna was only happy to oblige. Nice to see even the royal among the swarms out there have trouble finding true love. This is a light, buzzy comedy with a few action moments thrown in to keep things moving. I loved the resolution too. Origami Alligator gets a treat just as the audience does.

    ”
  • John Busser: 37 Origami Bees by DC Cathro
    “

    02.12.25 - This play deals with a lot of dual pairings. Shelly and Brady, birds and bees, losses and gains. That's what life is in a lot of respects. Pairings and partings. In this, we see a pair about to come apart. The symbolism of the 1000 (minus an all important 37) folded paper bees is appropriate. Due to Brady's insensitivity, he's about to lose his queen, and this hive is about to fall apart as well. DC Cathro gives us two characters dealing with the end, even if one doesn't know it yet.

    02.12.25 - This play deals with a lot of dual pairings. Shelly and Brady, birds and bees, losses and gains. That's what life is in a lot of respects. Pairings and partings. In this, we see a pair about to come apart. The symbolism of the 1000 (minus an all important 37) folded paper bees is appropriate. Due to Brady's insensitivity, he's about to lose his queen, and this hive is about to fall apart as well. DC Cathro gives us two characters dealing with the end, even if one doesn't know it yet.

    ”
  • John Busser: Abridged Theatre History For People Who Have A Cursory Interest* | *(please note we have not verified these facts) by Lea McKenna-Garcia
    “

    02.11.25 - Two men who know about as much about theater as I do about the GPD of Moldavia lead each other into some uncertain territory about who wrote what, who IS what, and what the devil does the Devil have to do with it. This was light, funny yet thought-provoking. I'd love to see this staged, if only for the after show discussions about it. See if it resonates or obfuscates your thoughts about the stage.

    02.11.25 - Two men who know about as much about theater as I do about the GPD of Moldavia lead each other into some uncertain territory about who wrote what, who IS what, and what the devil does the Devil have to do with it. This was light, funny yet thought-provoking. I'd love to see this staged, if only for the after show discussions about it. See if it resonates or obfuscates your thoughts about the stage.

    ”
  • John Busser: The Adventures of Pat the Exterminator: The Laboratory by Christopher Soucy
    “

    02.11.25 - How much more love can I throw at these. I've loved every adventure of Pat the Exterminator. He's like the James Bond of Orkin. Once again, Pappy is referenced, which is always a delight (although this may or may not be the first Pat adventure, I read it last). And there are so many great touches here for a fan of Universals monsters. I do hope Chris Soucy brings us further tales. Can't wait to see him have to dredge the Black Lagoon...

    02.11.25 - How much more love can I throw at these. I've loved every adventure of Pat the Exterminator. He's like the James Bond of Orkin. Once again, Pappy is referenced, which is always a delight (although this may or may not be the first Pat adventure, I read it last). And there are so many great touches here for a fan of Universals monsters. I do hope Chris Soucy brings us further tales. Can't wait to see him have to dredge the Black Lagoon...

    ”
  • John Busser: The Adventures of Pat the Exterminator: Wolfman Wants a Treat by Christopher Soucy
    “

    02.11.25 - My favorite one yet. Plenty of zingers (Upon noticing handcuffs "You got a lady friend here?" "They make pills to help out if you lose your inspiration.") and heart as well. Loved all the playing with Larry, the belly rubs, the ball toy. Larry is just misunderstood. And hey, Pappy gets a third mention. What's not to love here?

    02.11.25 - My favorite one yet. Plenty of zingers (Upon noticing handcuffs "You got a lady friend here?" "They make pills to help out if you lose your inspiration.") and heart as well. Loved all the playing with Larry, the belly rubs, the ball toy. Larry is just misunderstood. And hey, Pappy gets a third mention. What's not to love here?

    ”