Recommended by John Busser

This piece by Stephen Byrum was quite moving. Death is something we strive to avoid as long as possible. But as all deaths are inevitable, some want to go out on their own terms. As our character, Dave does here. But he won't be going alone. LEMB is here to assist and provide some comfort along the way. Or just a friendly(?) ear. Clearly Dave needed to get some things off his chest and even if it's only a machine he's talking to, he'll have his say. Of course, LEMB is a bit more human than he looks.

Like something out of an old Tales From the Crypt comic book, this is one twisted AF play from Paul Smith that would work oh so well on the stage. And a bonus for older actors with roles they could sink their teeth into, literally. The wonderful part of Paul's writing is that, although I saw where it was going (I'm twisted like that), the script throws in juuuuussst enough seeds of doubt in there to the point that I thought Ernest and Hilda just might connect with Jonnie on more than a gut level (see what I did there?)

There's more going on here than meets the eye. II found myself rereading this piece once I saw how it resolved. I wanted to reread it this time knowing where it was going.) Marilyn Ollett shows that humanity reigns even in the most unlikely of places. A unique setup for the message it tells, this takes place on a dead Earth that somehow, can still be a cause for emotional release. Watching the characters slowly fall under the music's spell was so satisfying. A terrific little play which perfectly highlights the power of emotion.

Life is an endless series of comings and goings. Sam and James have just lost a father and gained each other when they learn they are half-brothers. Elisabeth Giffin Speckman brings these two together and they have to learn to deal with the implications and expectations of finding this new connection. With a number of revelations and twists, she keeps the play fascinating as the two men try to navigate a tentative friendship if not a kinship. The ending shows there's hope and light at the end of a dark passage. This piece was satisfyingly heart-warming.

Deb Cole knows how to spin a yarn, doesn't she? In this one, a teacher comes face to face with a ticked off spirit and they realize they have a lot more in common than they thought. They both just want some peace and quiet. And if it takes a little loud door knocking and screaming to get it, then these women are going to do just that. Deb always has fun with her situations and this is no exception. And look at that, she also taught us some valuable lessons about history, tolerance and what happens after lights out.

That was a wonderful reminiscence to share with the audience! I guarantee you, this will spark many an individual thinking back to their own childhood memories and the start of their own stories. Morey Norkin sets a properly evocative scene here and the characters are vividly drawn with finesse. Small details, like "Willie, my father, in an undershirt and boxers, nothing too revealing, but in need of replacement." are just perfect in creating a solid feel to these people. I don't call them characters as Morey makes them feel surprisingly real. I was delighted by this.

What a way to end the series! Chris Plumridge puts a proper cap on thew adventures of the Vampire bear in true Bondian style. And not only does this clever, pun-laden, spy tropian, globe trotting romp reference all your favorite Ian Fleming call outs, he manages to work in EVERY Bond title (or close enough pun version to count) IN ORDER and including Never Say Never Again! That's dedication to Queen (now King, I know) and Country! Well done. What an epic journey this stuffed animal has taken us on! Put all 10 monologues together for NO TIME FOR INTERMISSION!

"Those natives in the woods, in the forest 600 kilometers northeast of here…"
"They didn’t matter to you?"
"I want to say they didn’t seem real."

Like bombers on planes who pushed buttons and never saw the death left in their wake, it's so easy to justify our actions when we don't see (or choose not to) the ramifications of our decisions. For Alejandro, those natives are easy to ignore. And in the bigger picture being paralleled here, it is easy for us to ignore our actions on the environmental scale. A terrific piece from Scott Sickles.

Dealing with the death of a loved one is a tricky road to navigate, and it's easier with a companion. Darlene finds hers in a raccoon. In this gentle comedy about life, death and corn nuts, Darlene and Cletus meet for a weekly game of Slapjack when she brings a third party into the mix. Said party is what's helped her deal with a recent loss, even if he is there only for the Corn Nuts she carries. But, as I said, it's easier to deal with things when you've got a friend. A heartwarming play from Brenton Kniess.

Dan Taube's Thoughts and Prayers perfectly encapsulates what is wrong with "thoughts and prayers" in the discussion of guns. Thoughts and prayers only raise more questions and doubts. You can think and pray and talk till you're blue in the face about what SHOULD be done, but it won't stop a trigger from being pulled. Taube's use of actors directly addressing the audience is both effective and unsettling (as it should be) because it's not enough for us to observe. We have to be directly engaged in this topic. My thanks to Dan for this piece.