Recommended by John Busser

Evan Baughfman presents an all-too-plausible evolution in our body collective with this one minute eye-opener. We're already one generation into a society that thrives in an addicted-to-likes, inter-connected online environment. Is it really too much to think we wouldn't succumb to a virus that feeds on our need to matter? This is scarier than you think. Would love to watch this with an audience if only to try to spot that ONE audience member sneaking a look at their phone during the performance.

It's a cruel irony that the boys depicted in this play by Kim Ruyle contemplate enlisting for family's sake at the military funeral of their youngest brother. But this plays in to larger themes of continuing legacies, duty, and a cycle of violence that neither boy is really considering the cost of. I almost thought that Danny, the younger of the two surviving siblings would be the one to end the cycle but in the end, he too succumbs to it.

A beautifully written monologue about an ugly subject. Robin Berl's words wring true in both their sincerity and heart-breaking loyalty, showing how complicated a relationship (in this case, a brother-sister) can be. Sometimes walking away from a toxic situation like this just isn't an option. You just have to weather the inevitable storm you know is coming. I cannot recommend enough.

Now this is the Mutual of Omaha (showing my age with THAT reference) play of my dreams! Loosely based on real life events, this fun little piece by Emily McClain is absurd enough on paper. To throw in the physical humor of a dancing groundskeeper and sound effects of an amorous crane would be hilarious to see staged. I hope someone produces this soon. Or at least before mating season ends.

It's never easy trying to find connections to someone who isn't sure who you are from one moment to the next, but Robin Berl presents us with a grandson trying to to just that. But guilt, unsure feelings and denial keep interfering. This is weighty emotional stuff, and the ambiguous ending reminds us that life is messy no matter how much we try to clean it up. Just terrific.

Like a modern day Dr. Frankenstein, a character in this biting piece by Lee R. Lawing reaps the consequences of letting his creation loose upon the world without realizing how devastating those consequences could be. And like in that story, the creation returns to wreak more havoc directly upon him. A cautionary tale, and physically funny as well, this would be an eye-opener onstage.

Wow, was this play a funny kick in the pants! Marj O'Neill-Butler gives us two woman who are all talk and all talk. I'd say "little action" but that might imply SOME action was taken, and these two definitely don't. This is great satire, darkly funny and somewhat sad, when you realize how many of us may be of a similar bent. But that's okay. When they're this well-written, the mirror held up to us is that much clearer. Maybe enough to spur us into... action? Good stuff Marj.

Memories are wonderful things. We can relive them, capture a feeling with them, renew a fondness for a lost one with them, but most importantly, we can share them. In this terrific piece by Jack Levine, two brothers bring their mother back to life in their hearts, if only for a few minutes, but they are a powerful time well spent by Alex and Charles. And a side effect of just reading this play made me momentarily look back with a smile on my own late parents. Moving and relatable.

This inner monologue is written as if there is only an audience of one (John, the writer), but is SO damned relatable in so many ways, that a full audience can appreciate it even while feeling it is written ONLY for them. That's pretty amazing.

Well color me intrigued. I always know I'm in for a wild ride when Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn puts fingers to keyboard, but this excerpt from a larger piece definitely makes me want to see how it all turns out. Mixing the real with the fantastic is a staple of Jacquie's work and here she is in top form, doling out just enough of the weirdness to keep you wondering where this is going. And a great mix of not-seen-too-often character archetypes too. I can't wait to read more.