Recommended by Mike Byham

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.

The Bear's adventure continues with a touching ghost story in Scotland. If you've ever truly loved a pet - you'll get it. This may be my favorite Bear story to date.

What light beyond yonder window breaks? Why - it is the Bear in theatrically heroic style saving the old Globe from certain destruction! Way to go, Bear! Bravo!

Somehow, someway, I always suspected the Bear was involved in the infamous Michael Fagan incident. But who knew he played such a critical and heroic role! I can't wait to see what the Bear is up to next! So much fun.

Oh, sweet cuddly Bear trying so desperately to be the big baddy. "The Bear - Takes Manhattan" is a lively and fun addition to the Bear series of monologues. The ending is priceless.