Recommended by John Busser

I was charmed by Enid Cokinos' two-hander about a woman running out of time and a man with far too much. Each might want what the other has, but upon examination, perhaps it's best to lie in the bed of one's own making instead. This play, although not world-shaking, still has some important things to say about how a person spends that precious commodity of time. And we are treated to a satisfying conclusion where the characters each get a little of something they truly want. How rewarding is that?

What a delightful 10 minute ghost story without the requisite scares and horror. I mean, why do we always assume a ghost has ill intent? Sometimes they just want to tidy up. Enid Cokinos' Mertle is just such a spirit, and it would be a shame to exorcise her out of a place that is so in need of her services. Caroline and Frannie are lucky to have her. With 4 great roles for women, this is a house that SHOULD be haunted.

A wonderful exercise in restraint. To only use 30 different words to tell a story that is still meaningful, precise and complete, is pretty hard to do. Deb Cole manages it with a deft touch. Neat.

As heart-breaking a reminder that tragedy has multiple victims, that include family, even if they were never the target. A grieving mother speaks volumes here and part of what she says is driven by different demons than those of the son who committed the actual crimes. Asher Wyndham never disappoints with his monologues and I defy you not to be moved by this.

Hindsight is certainly 20/20, but if everyone had the benefit of it, they probably wouldn't need it. Desdemona here suffered from a lack of it more than most; lost her respect in Othello's eyes, then her life at his hands. But Vivian Lermond gives her back the chance to maybe help out some future foolish woman out to stick it to Daddy. This monologue is both sad and funny, and that's what makes her monologues sing. Another winner, Vivian.

No one makes me more envious of the twisted greatness of his short plays than Evan Baughfman. This play is a perfect example why. Combining relentless advertising with equally relentless murder hornets, this new energy drink will sate your thirst while Evan's clever wordplay and humor will sate your brain's entertainment center. This is great stuff and would love to see it produced.

Teachers already give so much and not even a zombie apocalypse will stop administrators from expecting more. Evan Baughfman writes horror and comedy in equal measure, but here, he adds more to chew on (so to speak). A woman who literally gave her life for the school can't even enjoy her undead retirement in peace, thanks to a selfish Principal, who frankly, needs to put his dedication where the zombie's mouths are. Darkly funny and always entertaining, you can't go wrong with one of Evan's plays. (My favorite subtle line was "We tried distance learning...". That's some funny stuff there)

Interesting that this generation will be the one to grow up where this medical miracle will be considered a cool toy. And what a toy this is. Impressive. Shiny. Bone-breaking. And yet, the young child in Chris Plumridges’s monologue wants to use it, not to bully, but to be accepted. Got to hand it to him (see what I did there?), not a bad message to send.

Deb Cole gives us all we need to know in 60 seconds with an ultra-short trip to the laundromat. Sometimes it's best to know when to hold 'em and know WHERE to fold 'em. Clothes, that is... #funstuff

Jacquie Floyd distills it all down to the essential purpose of a character. To make it to the end. And a satisfying one it is.