Recommended by John Busser

11.16.24 - Okay, this was shockingly funny as well as eye-opening. Watching the three characters chase their tails as they tried to figure out who's who and what's what and where do the two overlap in some insane Venn diagram of inclusivity was hilarious. And I would have done a spit take if I was drinking during the "Kobayoshi Maru." "Is that an Asian student?" exchange. Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos (funny, she doesn't look like a McBurnette-Andronicos) has written a corker here.

11.16.24 - The circle of life using dead people is such a quirky concept, but Chris Soucy pulls it off with ease. I love how Regina refuses to let Gerald off the hook for his years of taking, and she turns the tables on him in such a satisfying way. Soucy's idea of why the ghosts feed in the winter is inspired too, as it adds to the dread of the piece. This is a smart, spooky, terrific play that would be amazing to see staged. The turnaround at the end showing the cycle continuing is perfect.

11.16.24 - Talk about an intriguing concept for Hell! I wasn't sure what I was in for, but I didn't expect this. This was wonderful! Ryan Bultrowicz gives us a morbidly funny take on the Sartre phrase, "Hell is other people". And thanks to their inflatable raft confessions, we learn Hell is US, just as much. Which makes this witty look at how we make our own terrible fates all the more poignant, when we see how worse off the characters become, when left alone. This is smart, funny stuff.

11.16.24 - Now THAT'S how you write dark comedy. I loved this piece from Chris Soucy. He ups the ante with every line practically and the absurdity makes you both cringe and snicker with every revelation. The great part is Phil's insistence on hanging himself every time he opens his mouth. But the Chef's kiss on this gem is Phil's last line. I won't spoil it, but it just tied this one up tighter than the ropes holding Phil to the chair. A+

11.16.24 - I was holding my breath as I read those last few pages. I know Gina is a fictional character, but brought so vividly to life by DC Cathro's writing had me pulling for her so hard. At one point, Buck seemed to have her wavering on her resolve and I was internally saying "NOOOOO!" That's great writing, when you can elicit that strong a response in a reader. I want a sequel!

11.15.24 - Just listened to an amazing audio production of this on the Gather By The Ghost Light podcast. As always, a first rate sonic assault from them. But it all starts with this creepy script by Travis Williams, and boy, does it deliver the goods. Travis makes you care about the two boys, Jackie and Briggs, like something out of a King novel, where he gets you invested in the characters before dropping you into the horror about to befall them. Would love to see this staged.

11.11.24 - Now THIS is a play I'd give good money to see staged. Just to watch the set designer have a meltdown. Beyond that, Chris Plumridge gives plenty of good laughs along the way as stubborn old Samuel denies all help because he knows the Big Guy has his back. Talk about not being able to see the forest for the trees. A wonderfully bonkers stage realization would make this a hoot to watch. Although the aforementioned Big Guy might be the perfect gent to call on to stage it, rain and all.

11.06.24 - I don't know whether I picked the best day to read this or the worst, but one thing's for sure; it's certainly an appropriate one, considering the state of our world. This was sad, chilling and yet, there is a glimmer of hope imbued throughout. Both Felicity and John have experiences with birds that have an affect on their lives, and now, at the seeming end of all avian life on Earth, they reflect on those experiences. Maybe there's still something to hope for out there on the winds.

11.06.24 - Not so much a Stairway to Heaven as a lift to same, this fun little play from Marc Harris has great dialogue that brings you up to speed at just the right time, fun characters, one later addition with a brilliant twist and a wonderful concept on display. I have to mention Gabrielle's second to last line though. While not giving anything away, it's quite a loaded statement, considering the lift goes both ways. Don't know if that was intentional, but I loved it.

11.06.24 - Hindsight is always 20/20 even when it's colored a bit in darker shades. Sue's experiences have made her a bit, shall we say, wary, of a marital partner. But to give credit, she still believes in the institution of marriage. Which is just what Natalie needs to hear, in this charming piece by Marc Harris. He hits an authentic tone with both women and I think Natalie is that much stronger for their meeting here. A terrific message about relationships.