Recommended by John Busser

Some people want to be problem solvers. Some people just want to be the problem. Or at least WANT there to be a problem. Em is just such a person. I don't think Em is going to want to hear anything from Drew, no matter how well intentioned. Jacquie Floyd wants to entertain, and THAT is at the root of this play. She does that in this charming little play about environmentalism and seeing the forest for the tree that isn't there. As for the last character, Leif? Well, they just want a bird bath, and that can solve anything.

I was stunned after reading this play, which is a scream of anger couched in the acceptance of being perpetually looked down upon for the crime of having a body which society says is bad. The irony here is that this is a woman, tragically realized by Bess Welden, who is made to feel she has empty value even as there is more and more of her around. This is not lost on BMTT as she puts on one vaudville-styled act after another, each increasing the level of embarrassment on herself and by the audience.

I was so taken with the three nurses here portrayed as so human. With drives, ambitions, little flaws and faults. They seem like real people to us. And the work they do is fraught with potential heartbreak, never knowing who will or won't survive under their care. When a bit of luck enters the picture, you just aren't expecting a next page hammer blow that hits home in a frightening way. Life can turn on a dime, and Vince Gatton ably proves this. This play is hopeful and harrowing at the same time. So much done with so little. Bravo.

Not every story has a happy ending, but at least you can go out on your own terms. Boxer Ken here is doing just that. Christopher Soucy writes a portrait of a proud man who just wanted to go out on top. But life isn't like the movies, and sometimes, life hits back in unexpected ways. Ken is being pummeled not only inside the ring, but outside as well. It's not fair, but it's all-too-real. The way Soucy writes him, Ken is a winner no matter what the count is in the final round. Beautiful words and an inspiring play.

There are some hidden depths to this play by John Mabey that are worth digging up. I know that sounds like I'm making a joke here considering the plot line, but honestly, Mabey doesn't write "obvious" plays. There is subtlety, nuance and considered meanings that go beyond the surface. Sometimes people keep their feelings and motivations buried (again, not making a joke, it really is the best term to use) and only through reaching out and trying to connect, can these woman learn what truly connects them. What they find may have nothing to do with what's in the ground.

Some fears come from a different place than ghosties and ghoulies. To some, the pressure to fit in is an overwhelming fear. As Lee Lawing shows us in this relatable monologue, a woman (somewhat desperate, although she probably wouldn't admit it) keeps tabs on the neighbors to make sure everybody does their part in being a "Halloween" neighborhood. I would bet good money any audience member has felt a similar need to fit in that Allie does here. Good stuff.

Spatchcocking (yes, I looked it up to see if it was real, and yes it is) was something I was unfamiliar with but damn if it anin't a funny sounding word. So of course, I was intrigued. And Lee Lawing did not let me down. I want to start a tradition now of having Thanksgiving with Lee's characters. They're a lot more fun than my family. Even a talking Jennie-O would be welcome if it was as delightful as this one is.

"But honestly, when you married a rock legend! What did you expect?" That about says it all. There's nothing off the table with some personalities and Scott Sickles is the man to bring that to light. A fascinating look at the lives of the women behind the men (who look they they may be behind other men, but that's beside the point). Francesca is the voice of reason and the pragmatic one. Jodilyn has just had her eyes opened to the bigger world she's been a part of. Wonderful dialogue and the absolute best character names (even the guys). Terrific.

As a fan of the big G, I was instantly grinning with this fun playful take on kaiju fights. We forget about the collateral damage and only remember the spectacle. Good thing Lee Lawing took notice. And lest you think a giant radioactive lizard can't really talk, there IS precedent. Godzilla DID speak (after a fashion) in one of his sillier movies. But back to this delightful play. Just like best buds on a summer day roughhousing in the yard, we get to see 2 BIG kids battling it out till mom puts her giant radioactive foot down.

As I read this play I was struck by how strong the bond was between the characters. The fear Francis showed when confronted with the possibility of Harold not being there any more reinforced that bond. Nothing like a health scare to make the introspection flow and as the 2 reminisce, you feel how strong their love is. A positive story amidst a negative setting is a tricky thing to pull off. Luckily, Dana Hall is so adept at this kind of thing, the execution is flawless.