Recommended by John Busser

What I love about this play is that the characters are done wasting time they could put to better use. Jeff risks rejection by trying to reestablish a relationship with Judy, but he does it anyway (his medical condition leaving him not much time). Judy, for her part has decided to skip the early courtship roles and go right into the thick of a relationship. And Peggy? Well, she got the whole ball rolling, didn't she? All these characters are vital, active people you'll want to get to know. This is terrific writing. Another winner from Marj O'Neill-Butler.

Wow, this was the equivalent of listening to the Rocky Theme while running. You can't help but get pumped for what's next! Marj O'Neill-Butler should be a fitness instructor. Her character Wendy is the perfect inspiration for all the Noreen's out there. Not just to improve her health, but more importantly, to find dignity and respect in herself as a person. We could all take a few lessons from Wendy. Another wonderful addition to Marj's series of bench plays. This is my new favorite of the bench bunch.

Wow, this was the equivalent of listening to the Rocky Theme while running. You can't help but get pumped for what's next! Marj O'Neill-Butler should be a fitness instructor. Her character Wendy is the perfect inspiration for all the Noreen's out there. Not just to improve her health, but more importantly, to find dignity and respect in herself as a person. We could all take a few lessons from Wendy. Another wonderful addition to Marj's series of bench plays. This is my new favorite of the bench bunch.

I was so sure I solved this one, but Vivian Lermond outfoxed me again. But who cares? This play was such fun on the page. I'm sure it would be even better on stage (or even over the radio!) The Stillwell Sisters are a worthy addition to great detective fiction and the mysteries she writes are just plain fun. This can be found along with 5 other terrific mystery pieces on the MAD FOR MYSTERY collection published by Next Stage Press. Purchase a copy and enjoy!

I'm a sucker for these type of mystery plays. A murder committed. An obvious suspect. An eccentric detective (in this case, TWO eccentric detectives!) Let the guessing games begin. This play, along with companion piece FRAMED are the two most fun pieces in the MAD FOR MYSTERY collection due to the wonderful writing of the Stillwell Sisters along with the various other characters that inhabit their world. We need more of these sibling snoops.

Oh THIS was devious! Vivian Lermond presents the roommate from Hell (although we don't learn that till the bitter end), and like something from an old EC comic book, I hoped there was just one more page where the killer gets their comeuppance. When you desperately want a fictional character to pay for their misdeeds, that's a sign of fine writing. Give us a sequel play Vivian. Maybe in the next MAD FOR MYSTERY volume?

Things (and neighbors) aren't always what they seem to be. Nowhere is this more evident than in this twisted little play by Vivian Lermond. Troy and Bea are seen by each other, and boy, do they assume a lot... wrongly. But isn't that always the way? A nice change of pace here, is that rather than watch them interact, we get the real inside scoop, as they talk to the audience. This would be wonderful as a radio play and hope that someone out there will stage it. Another winner from the MAD FOR MYSTERY collection.

I read this play a few years back, but as part of her MAD FOR MYSTERY collection, it gave me an opportunity to reread and reassess it. It still hits you like a ton of bricks! The crime committed here has no human entity. It's the dementia that Rosie suffers from. It takes away that which makes us who we are. THAT is the real crime here. This would be amazing to see staged. Great roles for women with a devastating script payoff.

Who better to plot to kill someone, than a group like the ones Vivian Lermond has assembled here? Unrequited love, jealousy, rivalry, baked goods, and scheming writers make for a wonderful mix. And unlike the custard pie, this dessert goes down in a satisfying way. My favorite of Vivian's MAD FOR MYSTERY collection.

For some, a puppet lay may truly be the definition of Hell, but Hell was never this damned funny. Mixing some truly odd character choices for a shot at (what, redemption? Punishment? Who cares, this is inspired "casting") with the last possible choice of plays to do in this southern locale, Scott Sickles blends history and hysteria for a 10 minutes you won't forget. Jesus, this guy can write...