Recommended by Kim E. Ruyle

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    Launched from a compelling premise, Nightshade spirals into a dark, sensual, and brutal world where sexual attraction collides with betrayal. Two lovers, one a call girl and the other the wife of a louse, must deal with the deceit and savagery of their antagonist – the man who is husband to one and client of the other. The staging of this would be theatrically powerful, gripping, and unsettling in all the right ways.

    Launched from a compelling premise, Nightshade spirals into a dark, sensual, and brutal world where sexual attraction collides with betrayal. Two lovers, one a call girl and the other the wife of a louse, must deal with the deceit and savagery of their antagonist – the man who is husband to one and client of the other. The staging of this would be theatrically powerful, gripping, and unsettling in all the right ways.

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    The newsroom is a zoo! Lots of bull flies in the reporters’ bullpen. Lots of energy. Lots of laughs. Physical comedy and one-liners abound. I can only imagine how much fun the actors would have getting this play on its feet, and the audience would be right there with them. It’s not dirty and it’s not a trick, it’s just, as Wilson says, Good Theatre.

    The newsroom is a zoo! Lots of bull flies in the reporters’ bullpen. Lots of energy. Lots of laughs. Physical comedy and one-liners abound. I can only imagine how much fun the actors would have getting this play on its feet, and the audience would be right there with them. It’s not dirty and it’s not a trick, it’s just, as Wilson says, Good Theatre.

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    What happens when your characters take on a life of their own? Sebastian and Lisa find out when this writing team is brought together again some years after a breakup to collaborate on a new play. Their invented characters physically take the stage and interact, not only with each other, but with their playwright creators. This leads to head-spinning comedy for the audience and insight for our playwright protagonists. Zaffarano sets a high bar for creativity and comedic gold with The Playmakers.

    What happens when your characters take on a life of their own? Sebastian and Lisa find out when this writing team is brought together again some years after a breakup to collaborate on a new play. Their invented characters physically take the stage and interact, not only with each other, but with their playwright creators. This leads to head-spinning comedy for the audience and insight for our playwright protagonists. Zaffarano sets a high bar for creativity and comedic gold with The Playmakers.

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    The Springvale Armadillo is beautifully constructed and deeply affecting. Loftus brilliantly weaves in Ruby’s tragic backstory via interviews with Matthew who is dealing with his own personal tragedy. They impact each other profoundly, and the bond that grows between them is touching and real. Tears will shed by those fortunate enough to see this play staged. More than a stirring story, The Springvale Armadillo reveals important lessons. It is a powerful piece of theatre. Highly recommended.

    The Springvale Armadillo is beautifully constructed and deeply affecting. Loftus brilliantly weaves in Ruby’s tragic backstory via interviews with Matthew who is dealing with his own personal tragedy. They impact each other profoundly, and the bond that grows between them is touching and real. Tears will shed by those fortunate enough to see this play staged. More than a stirring story, The Springvale Armadillo reveals important lessons. It is a powerful piece of theatre. Highly recommended.

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    In what unimaginably dystopian hell does Martha find herself? Duck Blind International, a deeply twisted corporate conglomerate hellbent on growing sales even if it means crushing the souls of its workers. Sapio generates comedy even amid the corporate hell. The ridiculous, onerous corporate policies. The coworkers, one in particular, who is, if not being passive-aggressive, is a backstabbing saboteur. And best of all, the hilarious ad copy. All serve up laughs. Yes, I'll have fries with that.

    In what unimaginably dystopian hell does Martha find herself? Duck Blind International, a deeply twisted corporate conglomerate hellbent on growing sales even if it means crushing the souls of its workers. Sapio generates comedy even amid the corporate hell. The ridiculous, onerous corporate policies. The coworkers, one in particular, who is, if not being passive-aggressive, is a backstabbing saboteur. And best of all, the hilarious ad copy. All serve up laughs. Yes, I'll have fries with that.

  • Kim E. Ruyle: Serenade by Zach Barr
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    Barr’s Serenade really floored me. Motives. Secrets. Deception. Love. Lust. It all unfolds in a taut, intriguing story that had me leaning in on every page. Jan’s monologue about the symphony is extraordinary. And the final scene, especially paired with the recommended score, lands as a perfect, head-spinning button. This one is going to stay with me. Bravo!

    Barr’s Serenade really floored me. Motives. Secrets. Deception. Love. Lust. It all unfolds in a taut, intriguing story that had me leaning in on every page. Jan’s monologue about the symphony is extraordinary. And the final scene, especially paired with the recommended score, lands as a perfect, head-spinning button. This one is going to stay with me. Bravo!

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  • Kim E. Ruyle: Into the White by Lee R. Lawing
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    Into the White has an ensemble of six trapped on a train that’s blocked by heavy snow in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. The characters are fictional, but the story is based on an historical event in 1910. And fascinating characters they are! Each has a backstory that’s questionable at best if not outright dark. Lee captures the language, the religious and spiritual tension, and the claustrophobic situation. There are surprising twists and turns throughout – and the ending twist is great.

    Into the White has an ensemble of six trapped on a train that’s blocked by heavy snow in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. The characters are fictional, but the story is based on an historical event in 1910. And fascinating characters they are! Each has a backstory that’s questionable at best if not outright dark. Lee captures the language, the religious and spiritual tension, and the claustrophobic situation. There are surprising twists and turns throughout – and the ending twist is great.

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  • Kim E. Ruyle: In Case of Emergency, Break Pact by Danielle Wirsansky
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    I was hooked on this play from the opening banter that was great warmup for the dialogue that then took off, crackling and popping with vitality and delivered by two fascinating, well-drawn characters. It’s a great premise. It’s funny. It’s intense. It never loses momentum. The roles are meaty and the story is chewy – lots of food for thought. Wirsansky has crafted a gem. Brava!

    I was hooked on this play from the opening banter that was great warmup for the dialogue that then took off, crackling and popping with vitality and delivered by two fascinating, well-drawn characters. It’s a great premise. It’s funny. It’s intense. It never loses momentum. The roles are meaty and the story is chewy – lots of food for thought. Wirsansky has crafted a gem. Brava!

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  • Kim E. Ruyle: Stone Circle Stories by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
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    Stone Circle Stories, the collection of short plays by Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn, is a producer’s dream. Simple set and tech. Flexibility in casting. Flexibility in creating the playlist. And, most importantly, there’s something for just about any audience member – comedy, poignancy, magic, and life lessons. You may have a difficult time selecting your favorite play from this collection, as I did, but I think the owl, the shoebill stork, and Mrs. Ferria top my list. Nicely done!

    Stone Circle Stories, the collection of short plays by Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn, is a producer’s dream. Simple set and tech. Flexibility in casting. Flexibility in creating the playlist. And, most importantly, there’s something for just about any audience member – comedy, poignancy, magic, and life lessons. You may have a difficult time selecting your favorite play from this collection, as I did, but I think the owl, the shoebill stork, and Mrs. Ferria top my list. Nicely done!

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  • Kim E. Ruyle: Trees Don't Mourn the Autumn (Full Length) by Paul Donnelly
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    Trees Don’t Mourn the Autumn is an important and achingly beautiful play. Donnelly masterfully and with amazing detail guides us through Emily’s emotional and physical journey of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. Through windows to Emily’s past, we’re primed to deeply feel her emotions, to appreciate her relationships, and to be completely taken by Emily’s journey and spirit. Fantastic!

    Trees Don’t Mourn the Autumn is an important and achingly beautiful play. Donnelly masterfully and with amazing detail guides us through Emily’s emotional and physical journey of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. Through windows to Emily’s past, we’re primed to deeply feel her emotions, to appreciate her relationships, and to be completely taken by Emily’s journey and spirit. Fantastic!

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