Recommended by John Busser

This is a much more thoughtful play than you might imagine given its title and lead character, and Rand Higbee does a tremendous job bringing some intriguing subject matter to the fore. Questions of factual observation vs peer pressure, meaning vs motivation, and emotional connection vs practicality are all evident here. The play works remarkably well in making us laugh and think in equal measure. This is clever writing.

What a fun way to spend on a cruise, whale-watching and groundhog-daying (can I use that as a verb?) in this goofy little piece from Jack Levine. A married couple goes through the same scene over and over in confusion until the author of the problem reveals all in delightful fashion. Short, sweet and when it's over, you might just want to see it again.

Paul Smith brings Jenny to life just as surely as Laurence did in this terrific monologue about trying to live with someone while being someone else. If that sounds confusing, it isn't. Smith makes both Laurence and Jenny full flesh and blood creations as they are the yin and yang of each other, one, fun and full of life, but the cause of so much trouble. The other, a lesser-than-life presence whom Jenny depends on nonetheless, even if his wife doesn't. Eminently compelling.

Sometimes the facts are just what we believe. Or are made to believe. Paul Smith gives us a sad, but relatable account of Jez, a young man with a troubled past and a seemingly dead-end future. As he recounts the events that brought him here, he tries to absolve himself of the guilt which is most likely his to claim. A wonderfully realized character study of a conflicted young man, this would be a terrific monologue for any actor.

We take comfort in a lot of things; stability, routine, faith in a higher power (perhaps), the idea that we are in control of out destiny. But all that can change in a moment's lapse in judgement, as Paul Smith expertly shows us in this riveting monologue. And now Maddie, never one to be bothered by solitude, finds herself alone after a tragedy, completely out of any sort of comfort zone. The added irony is that her calling no longer allows her any comfort either. She is truly alone here. Terrific writing!

There's the law and then there's justice, and at times, they come down on opposite sides of the fence. Paul Smith gives us an appalling situation for Faye to deal with, and she does it in a way that makes matters worse not only for her molester, but an innocent (in some ways) co-worker. The thing I love about this monologue is it presents us with a clear cut motive, but a murky solution. And isn't that just like life? The questions may be clear, but answers never are. Another winner monologue!

We like to be the hero of out own story, don't we? Len does as he tries to tell us (or is it himself) in this marvelous monologue by Paul Smith. He doesn't do that sort of thing anymore. He's better now. It's all a mistake. These are the things we tell ourselves when confronted with our own failings, and Len is no different. Which makes this piece both horrible (at the possible crime) and relatable (we all try to justify, don't we?) at the same time. First-class writing Paul!

Though the presentation could be called absurd, the feelings behind it are very real and heartfelt. Greg Vovos shows us two characters hanging on by a thread in our strange present, and also shows us how connected we all are in that strangeness. And that strange connection may be all that helps us get through our days. Dinosaur masks and a lack of pants may also help.

I think this monologue needs to be shown to an audience of community theater directors with a big "PAY ATTENTION" sign preceding it. As someone who's been in one of these travesties, I think Emily hits the nail on the head. This is a neat little stocking stuffer for a one act festival.

I love the theatricality of this piece. Set on a ferry with two women each playing their roles to perfection, Ryan Kaminski gives us a really intriguing two-hander, complete with hidden motives, last minute revelations, and of course, murder. And although a real murderer may not acknowledge her undoing the way Mrs. Leigh does here, it is the perfect capper to this darkly comic interaction. I would respond in kind if I ever see this staged.