Recommended by D. Lee Miller

"Lady Luck don't know my address". What a lovely monologue for a young, pessimist takes the steps towards optimism. I know this fella -- FORTUNATE FAILURE by Vivian Lermond is a well-structured monologue with an earnest fellow with a nice way of telling the story. An nice addition to the world of love, possibility and a worthy audition piece!

What I love about Miss Ella is that I believe she believes this advice and has lived through a lot - but the actor has room here and we can tell what side of the bed she got up on this morning! A lot t of good advice, and where is it coming from? Another intriguing character in Lermond’s endless cast!

LEGACY, by Alice Josephs, is a frustrating story of a man raging not just 'against the machine' but society's structure. The loss of his life (in the eyes of the law) unfortunately also led to the loss of his livelihood and legacy. A sad story and I'd like to know more about this farmer. Good work, Alice.

IT'S NOT BLOOD by Kim E. Ruyle, is a behind-the-scenes look at two brother's discussing their brother's death in the military, just before the funeral. These are small town boys/men who shared everything together. There are not a lot of options in their lives and they circle around to (spoiler alert) to joining up - though they're afraid to die. Terse real dialogue brings us into the conversation of these fellows. It is real, it is sorrowful and so well written. Well done.

How does one discuss a crisis that is too hard to bear? John Mabey, in TRUE SKIES, introduces us to such a crisis. Using fantasy, we learn more about this married couple than you can imagine on your own -- And they finally talk in a parallel universe. Death and grief and their shared love is Mabey's fodder. It will make you hang on to every word. An intimate look at a couple in crisis. As always by Mabey, beautifully written.

TRANSCODICIL by Peter Dakutis is a modern inheritance story, filled with love, conflict and an older woman who is having the last laugh. You can tell Dakutis had fun writing this and you'll enjoy it, too, once it's produced!

Although THE ASSUMPTION OF LOVE by Debbie Lamedman is a period piece (based on an Edward Hopper portrait), I am quite sure this story is just as relatable today. We all need to be open to love but sometimes choose the wrong people even when the red flags are out. I feel sorry for this woman and though admire the bellhop who helps her, see how her naivete allowed this sad event to happen. It is rather easy to empathize with both characters in this bittersweet meeting. Beautifully written.

Although THE ASSUMPTION OF LOVE by Debbie Lamedman is a period piece (based on an Edward Hopper portrait), I am quite sure this story is just as relatable today. We all need to be open to love but sometimes choose the wrong people even when the red flags are out. I feel sorry for this woman and though admire the bellhop who helps her, see how her naivete allowed this sad event to happen. It is rather easy to empathize with both characters in this bittersweet meeting. Beautifully written.

ASHES OF THE REVOLUTION by John Patrick Bray is a beautiful play of the love of a brother and sister. The brother has autism and is a sincere ball of love hoping to protect his family from a revolution. The sister's core is love, too, and she knows how use illusion and truth to protect her brother as only a sister could. Their vulnerability and connection is a sight to behold. I love this play.

DARK AND STORMY (aptly named) is full of twists and threats and horror to come - What do you expect when you meet an angry ghost? It is funny, too and all of this power-packed in one minute! Sickles, you've done it again!