Recommended by John Busser

I was so caught up in Deb Cole's chilling confrontation between a mother who suffered the loss of her daughter and the friend who helped cause it, that I hadn't realized till after I read it that I don't know exactly what happened. And I didn't necessarily want to know. Whatever the circumstances, this was pain I didn't need to take on myself. Deb's characters are suffering enough for us all. Just terribly evocative writing from a playwright that knows exactly how to push buttons in the most intriguing way.

It's not hard to see the parallels between these characters and the reality we've lived in since 2016, and Tom Erb provides a much-needed comedic version of a truly despicable man's attempt to keep what isn't his. I want to see this continue so at least SOMEONE will get his comeuppance. C'mon Tom, let's see the aftermath!

What an intriguing story Chris Plumridge dishes up here! This story is about as "nothing" as an episode of Seinfeld, meaning it's very much about "something". Even the smallest of events can be of Earth-shaking importance to the right audience. Whether it's a proposal of marriage or a flight of fancy, Chris makes both events of equal significance in our eyes. So much for "nothing". Just terrific.

Man did I like this play by Dan Prillaman! Hat's off, Dan! What a novel concept, taking role playing and turning around the character dynamics. At first, I was as in the dark as Roan as to the reasons of this encounter. I don't want to spoil your fun of discovery either. But when you find out what's really going on, I hope it hits you like it did me. Needless to say, it was a game changer (pun definitely intended). This would be wonderful to see staged.

Boy did THIS leave a bad taste in my mouth. But make no mistake. This should be required reading (or listening or seeing) for those of you who gloss over the nightly news reports, or the You Tube videos. Asher Wyndham gets right to the whole sick manor in which some people excitedly lust after items at an auction that have a particular function (and notoriety) with the same fervor they would lusting after a piece of fine art. Although I could be wrong. A Rembrandt doesn't have the stopping power of an AR-15. Killing machines are much more collectable.

I had the distinct pleasure to take part in a reading of this emotionally resonant play by Sam Heyman. This play deals with Jackson, a uniquely compelling character dealing with a search for answers after a childhood trauma. But it's not only Jackson's journey we take. His parents, both with their own fascinating stories to tell, A university teacher with an unexpected connection and a newly found friend both complicate and enrich the story. All in all, a very strong piece that needs to be shared with bigger audiences.

I was stunned by this tragic, yet touching monologue from Steve Martin. Gabriel feels so conflicted as we watch him try to both honor and blame his older sibling for the sin of contracting a life-threatening disease. And finding out his parents true intent for his own conception is both sad and relatable. Who wouldn't have mixed feelings over these circumstances? My highest recommendation for this outstanding piece of writing. I'll be processing this one for quite a while.

In one minute Neil Radtke takes us on an emotional roller coaster, except this coaster track ends much too abruptly. Such as what sometimes happens in real life. This was heart-breaking.

Wow, this short radio play from Michele Clarke hits hard and then ratchets up the stakes and the tension in equal measure. The well placed use of sound (the crash, the water, etc) with no visual to guide you works even more to terrify you. I don't mean this in a derogatory fashion, but thank God this is only a short play. It's so effective in setting the situation, I don't think I could've taken a longer journey with them. Absolutely chilling.

I found myself slowly crossing my legs as I read this. Holy cow, this was both funny as hell and cringe-inducing at the same time. I loved that hapless Tony was trying so hard to please his wife in a way that, frankly, gives me the heebie-jeebies to contemplate doing. The character of Claire holds her own quite well. A hilarious start to my day courtesy of Brandon Urrutia. And I'm going to be walking funny for the rest of that day.