Recommended by Mike Byham

The tone and language of LOST STARLET is perfectly suited to its purpose! As a fan of older film, I was mesmerized by Scott Sickles’ ability to resurrect the ghosts of the classic actors who made these movies memorable. Absolutely entertaining stuff. I would love to see this staged! Well done!

Well this one took a left when you’re expecting a right! REWIND by Morey Norkin is a super-fun short loaded with pre-year 2000 movie references and quotes. Classic sci-fi time bubble trap executed to perfection! You had me at La La and Ga Ga. Excellent!

How we grieve and who we choose to grieve with is a difficult topic to handle in a ten-minute play. Brenton Kniess proves he’s up to the challenge with SLAPJACK SATURDAY. Cards, beer, a raccoon and a couple of old friends coalesce in this sweet short where coming to grips with loss is told in an identifiable manner. You can feel the characters’ shared pain. A worthy piece of work.

Ever wonder what happens at the end of a long night for employees at a movie theater? On Halloween? Apparently it’s spooky fun! A sweet story of friendship, Brenton Kneiss hits all the right notes with THE THATCHER THEATER TERROR. A surprise haunting brings about self-realization amongst three friends. The final twist at the end brings a smile from the reader and audience. Well done!

An entertaining puzzle for grown-ups, A LITTLE LAMB leads you to the edge and dares you to peek over. The conversation between Saar and Leslie rolls along briskly - even while navigating a turn or two, or three. Each sequence of dialogue brings another question further layering the onion. It is very easy to become invested in these characters and their conversation despite not knowing the truth of their reality. Ricardo Soltero-Brown packs a lot into this one act that leaves you wanting more as you’re ready to step off the edge. Very intriguing.

DON’T VOTE FOR ME is both a throwback to the classic stories of small town America (vaguely reminiscent of Our Town) and a tale of the struggles faced by that portion of American life still coming to grips with the modernization and diversity of today’s world. The play is filled with lively characters, wonderful dialogue, truly funny moments and heartwarming sentiment. I loved it. I can easily see this as a highlight on a regional theatre’s summer schedule. Very well done.

And The Bear series comes full circle - closing with a very sweet reunion following a rousing adventure filled with old friends. The Bear battles a new big baddie and overcomes treachery that left me shaken (not stirred). Christopher Plumridge crafts the perfect finale for The Bear in “The Bear with the Golden Fur.” You had me at Dame Judy Dench. Well done! Now someone needs to stage The Bear series!

In THE SEQUIN ROYALE, Paul Hood creates a world of pain and recovery that is well worth exploring. A couple of Vietnam veterans navigate their roads to personal redemption, leaning on each other as they relearn to live in the real world, dealing with the emotional wounds suffered in the war. One finds love in the most unlikely circumstance - where all isn’t as it seems. This play is masterfully crafted to its revealing conclusion as hints are dropped along the way keeping the audience guessing what’s real. Very well done!

Well - that was unexpected! The Bear meeting Captain Sully! This was perhaps the most nail-biting adventure yet, but thankfully due to our hero, the Bear, all ends well. Such fun stuff (and stuffing?)!

The Bear is a little like Forest Gump - present at so many world-changing events - but with a notable difference. The Bear has been playing a direct and decisive role in each outcome (our hero). This time, the Bear has a lovely human accomplice. Thank you, Chris Plumridge, for gifting us these adventures. Beary well done.