Recommended by Mike Byham

Morey Norkin hits all the right comedic notes with his touching portrayal of familial relationships lost and found with LAST LAUGH. Both characters are believable and unique, yet somehow Morey's dialogue ensures that there is no mistaking their connection. And witty dialogue at that! I would love to see this staged. Both audiences and actors alike would have a blast! Great piece of work.

Christopher Plumridge has mined the depths of a troubled mind to fight a foe all too relatable to many of us in THE UNIVITED. It is a monologue that puts on display the resolve necessary to survive episodes of depression. A touching and necessary work. Thank you, Christopher!

BACKYARD STONEHENGE, RECLAIMED really hit home to me as we're currently acting as caretakers of aging relatives. The characters are sharply drawn and relatable - I feel as though I've known MRS. FERRIA for quite some time. Perhaps that is due to the universal truth this piece is set in - the unwanted inevitability of life getting to the point where assistance is needed. The loving relationship between nephew and aunt is both moving and necessarily awkward. Very well done!

I’ll be thinking about David Hodge’s NEIGHBORLY for some time. The arguments presented over potential risks of making yourself vulnerable to help someone in need, the true nature of home ownership and the fragility of the material lives we lead is worth consideration. Unsettling and brutal in its setting, tone and action, this play leaves an intellectual and emotional mark. Interesting and well done.

ANDELA is an extraordinarily funny, fun and touching story! Colorful characters inhabit a world where the power of love (in all its forms) and belief (again - in all its forms) bring us to a happy conclusion. Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn has crafted an emotionally satisfying tale of an angel come to announce the second coming. The way that the angel revels in their corporeal humanness brings both heartwarming laughs and plain old silliness. Cleverly told with some wonderful dialogue, actor and audiences alike will love this play.

I'm not crying - you're crying! I AM HE by Deb Cole tugs at the heart strings, especially for those who struggle with loss (and those with daddy issues like me). But here's the genius of how it is written - it is not maudlin in any way, nor does it manipulate. It tells a simple story of dealing with grief in a positive manner. A lesson to be learned by all. We will all need it at some point. Very well done!

Wow! I absolutely fell in love! Aly Kantor brings us a lovely, sweet short of two people from extreme ends of the adventure spectrum finding middle-ground. ANY PORT IN A STORM pleases from the start with characters so relatable I was talking to my computer screen trying to add to their conversation (or maybe I have a problem?). I particularly like the phrase "It feels like I’ve got a treasure in my pocket, and the pocket’s got a hole, and I can’t stop thinking about the treasure, or the hole." Would love to see this staged!

Unfortunately I tend to believe that Marilyn Ollett’s MATTER OF FACT OR FICTION is an under-told true tale of a young woman carrying an emotional burden for years. Fortunately, the story is crafted here by Ollett, who delivers a believable and relatable piece of theatre. Very well done!

Ever wonder what’s going on inside your body when you’re not paying attention? Marilyn Ollett has an idea as shown in her interesting short BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT. Brian appears to be overwhelmed with responsibilities and doesn’t take Dai seriously. Perhaps Brian needs to slow down and listen? Perhaps we all need to take a breath at times? Thank you Marilyn for the clever reminder! Well done!

I absolutely love this warm and funny one-act crafted with obvious care by Enid Cokinos. The characters are distinctly drawn and the sentiment firmly placed. Every now and then we all need a hug, and DEAR MAVIS provides. I can see this as a community theatre staple for years to come. Excellent pacing and hitting all the right comedic notes, this is a complete joy.