Recommended by John Busser

A tale as old as time (sure, wrong story, but the point is valid) with beloved characters that will live in eternity. WHat's wrong with that? Plenty, it seems. In Chris Soucy's latest treasure, we find comedic gold as Cap'n Hook and Smee, keep living and dying again and again in a never-ending cycle. Positing ideas of a larger plan at hand, these two shipmates banter and bludgeon, shoot the breeze and the first mate, and generally never change. Cap'n and Smee become sort of their own Lost Boys. But what might happen if they change their story? Clever stuff.

A simply stunning portrait of despair. Chris Plumridge gives us a stream-of-consciousness styled monologue. One that shows a man desperate to make sense of the insanity that makes up the world he sees himself in. As Rob invites us into his reality, we are both fascinated and horrified that a fellow human being is made to experience the highs and lows of an uncaring universe all alone. Plumridge makes us want to pull this man out of the darkness. Can't ask for more than that.

Sometimes rocking the boat gets EVERYONE wet. Sean Abley presents that old chestnut of a million monkeys on a million typewriters someday producing the works of Shakespeare, but puts such a clever conspiracy-tinged twist to it, that you have to laugh at the thought of it. And while most conspiracy twists are ultimately so much hooey, THIS time, the "truth" gets out there. With hilarious and world-ending results.

Being claustrophobic myself (and isn't it telling that the old soldier's captive was named Klaus?), I was actually uneasy reading this short monologue. I wanted him to break through to the surface so badly. It's terrific writing when you can evoke an emotional response in an audience member. Chris Plumridge takes you into that tunnel, and as difficult as it may be to do that, the reward is worth it.

Well, now I'M scared too. I have no idea what the Child showed the Monster, and I don't want to know. It might make me crawl under the bed. A one-minute wonder from Jacquie Floyd!

Well, it's not like he didn't have it coming. Jacquie Floyd takes no backtalk from any doofus of a Prince who just can't help but voice his stupidity. And she skips all the messy story and just provides a hilariously happy ending.

On the one hand, it sounds like the adventure of a lifetime, but on the other, this person NEEDS me. Do I serve myself or others? This is what Miranda Jonte’s monologue ultimately asks. And I can’t imagine a tougher choice. I’m glad I don’t have to make it. And gladder still that Miranda's character Ellis can. I would love to see the choice made. Please Ellis, let us know.

Winning ain't everything, as Mary finds out in this absurdly comic piece by Jack Levine. As the customer just finding out she won (something) while trying to buy a gift for Dad, the clerk constantly confuses, confounds and basically steamrolls over her while presenting her with the Customer of the Century award (whatever that is). Like any good salesman, James never lets Mary get what she really wants, but more like what James wants to get rid of. A funny two-hander that is worth the price.

I am always up for writing with extensive wordplay in it, and Jack Levine does not disappoint. Ans he ups both the cliches and the stakes, the audience reaps the benefit. I loved the back and forth banter showing that both characters could give as well as they take. There's a lot to laugh at here and believe it or not, a few things to learn. I, for instance, had never heard the cliche, "as keen as mustard." But now that I have, I really have to figure out a way to use it.

Success involves a certain amount of risk, and here we meet Pamela who's traded in that success for the safety and comfort of settling. Enid Cokinos presents us with a very relatable character in Pamela. Who can't identify with wanting to take the easy road when it makes life... pretty good. Just not satisfying. THAT is where taking a chance comes in. Luckily, we also meet Ezra, a Guardian Angel/Life Coach/Supernatural Motivator who wants to deliver a spiritual kick in the pants that Pamela needs. Thanks to him, we learn that chasing your dream is definitely worth it.