Recommended by Mike Byham

B.E.A.U.T.Y. is a very interesting and thought-provoking one-act regarding the future of AI in a possible apocalyptic scenario. Brent Alles effectively uses a setting that evokes an expectation of a gentle and humorous romp with a couple of cute robots. He then turns the tables on us to have a serious moment or two. Surprisingly emotional and very well done.

Three men share life's grievances, argue and bond. They explore their differing backgrounds and common experiences. They suffer tragedies and learn to cope while (mostly) enjoying time with each other. Although this sounds like a simple concept, Darrin Friedman creates a world in THREE BLIND MICE that is richer and fuller in experience. As each tries to find a place modern society, revelations of human frailty indicates that hope for better tomorrow may ultimately be elusive. Yet each character has an elegantly defined arc that is brought home with a satisfying end. Includes a killer monologue. This should be produced.

This short felt like a pleasant and leisurely drive down an interesting but familiar road until the final surprising turn. A THOUGHT is so sweet and so simple, until Paul Smith turns it just a tad on its head. Lovely writing. A great addition to the bench series.

Uncompromisingly bloody and in-your-face, KINGDOM OF ANIMALS grabs you from the first utterance and it never lets go. Intense dialogue and action propels an interesting plot. The level of intimacy required and emotional turmoil caused by reluctant realizations will prove fitting challenges to actors and directors. But the pay-off is immense. Unsettling and uncomfortable, this is demanding theatre that provides a memorable experience. Very well done.

Brenton Kniess expands the creepy ice cream truck universe with a new and welcome installment - MELT: A NEW SCOOP. As a fan of the original MELT and even knowing what’s coming - it’s still shocking, funny and unsettling. This is an excellent companion piece to the original and I can see the MELT shorts effectively bookending a night of chilling theatre. Sweet stuff!

GOLDEN KISS is cleverly constructed and so much fun - but man I am REALLY conflicted since my wife and I are parents of a golden retriever named "Abby." If you don't know why I feel this way, just read the play! The build to the foreshadowed ending is brilliantly done. I was simultaneously in stiches and cringing while reading. I would love to see this on stage - very funny!

Really enjoyable read. CHEKHOV'S GUN is what can best be described as a typical family dramady that includes an ailing matriarch, a doting long-time suitor, mysterious will changes, the return of the prodigal son, an actual clown and a living lamb. Okay - so maybe not that typical. The distinct characters, their relationships and wonderful wordplay add to the intriguing plot. This makes an entertaining evening of theatre. I would love to see this staged. Delightful!

A very sweet short play about two people who connect in the most mundane of circumstances. SPIN CYCLE provides a meet-cute that hits all the right notes. Andrew Martineau keeps it simple and in this case - it works to heart-warming effect. The characters are neatly drawn and their conversation feels natural. Very well done.

Who doesn't love a good ole fashioned knights and dragon story? Brent Alles provides the laughs with his twist on the dragon tale (or is that tail?) complete with a couple of willing but barely competent slayers in Jay and Kay. If you think Laurel and Hardy meeting Godzilla is a solid premise, you'll like this. If you're a fan of Monty Python-style humor, you'll love this! I would love to see this staged! Lots of fun! Bravo!

Yes! This short is so much fun! BARCELONA by Neil Radtke deserves to be seen over and over again! I really enjoy the fun characters - especially Skye with her mind aging in reverse. And talk about sticking the landing! Bravo! One thought though - perhaps a prequel is in order so we know what really happened in Barcelona?