Recommended by John Busser

02.19.26 - For a short play about the generational difference of opinion people can have over a piece of art (in this case, a film), this piece certainly is founded on the common denominator that we all have experienced this at one point or another. For me, it's from both sides of the coin. Chris Soucy's play is so universal (see what I did there?) that i think everyone watching it will nod and say, "I know just what he means." And any lay that references The Thing gets a thumbs up from me.

02.19.26 - Life is a series of turns, some gradual, some jarring and angled and some are those hairpin turns where everything turns on a dime and you head backward. Brian Cern gives us an individual who just experienced the latter kind of whiplash change that can cause a wreck, and we are along for the ride. The dialogue is structured so that we know something is wrong, even when it starts out somewhat hopeful. Then the tires screech (metaphorically) and we see that loss of control. Terrific.

02.19.26 - There is an authenticity to Scott Sickles' characters that just allows the audience to slip right into this living room as if we were there with the brothers at Christmas time. And while I never had a train set (I was a dinosaur kid and had them all!), the nostalgic feeling is so palpable. And YES! DIE HARD at Christmastime! I'd say it's a Festivus miracle, but I think it's more of a Scott Sickleus miracle!

02.19.26 - A thought provoking monologue from Deb Cole that will hit just a bit too close to home for many of us. Especially the premise of accepting a "diagnosis" from such an unlikely source rather than a medical professional. How many of us are willing to do that? A lot more than we probably think. I loved this monologue especially the last line - "realizing I don’t have to overcompensate just to deserve grace might be the most helpful diagnosis of all." Perfect!

02.19.26 - Everybody connects in their own way, some in direct ways, others in a more roundabout manner. Both are valid, but strangely, in a way, both methods show a disconnect as well. Most times we dovetail our responses based on the other person'r reaction. It allows us to synch up easier. These two characters though, show no advancing towards the other. So even when they are connected we have to ask, are they? Food for thought from Deb Cole.

02.16.26 - There's a gentle sadness over the proceedings in this play, and yet, we see the obvious love this family has for each other. The ribbing between siblings, the admiration for their father's love of words, mom's dedication to her husband, even as she loses touch with him. This sense of family keeps this play from becoming maudlin, and despite the subject matter, I think an audience would gain a sense of hope in these people. Jacquie Floyd never disappoints.

02.16.26 - I was not expecting the charming (even if some elements had the sting of personal betrayal and awkward relationship matters) reunion of two rulers, separated by circumstances neither foresaw and now coming back together for a greater purpose, but there lies Vince Gatton's skill as a writer. Breakups are never fun, but they can be entertaining in the right setting, and this one has it.

02.16.26 - An exercise in building tension for both the character of Veronica AND the audience. We are trying to solve the puzzle in some ways more than she is. An audience member feels the need to stay on top of the story, and when we are in the dark as much as Veronica, it ratchets up our uneasiness tenfold. Matthew Weaver has us all right where he wants us. And we are all the better for it.

02.16.26 - Come for the bank robbing, stay for the Hallmark rom-com. A 10 minute hearts-and-robbers play was the last thing on my Erstwhile bingo card, but damn if David Lipschutz doesn't make it work. Would love to watch an audience have a needle-drop moment when Knuckles asks Goober out on a date with the cops closing in.

02.16.26 - As someone who lost a brother in a similar way, this play hit me harder than I expected. Some of the details were different (no Hell's Angels in my late brother's past) but many others shockingly similar. I wish on my best day, I could have spoken to him. as eloquently as BROTHER does here, but even though I couldn't, I feel better than Paul Braverman could write it, and that I got a chance to read it.