Recommended by Kim E. Ruyle

Two brothers, long separated, reunite, and the horrible truth about what instigated their separation is revealed. Pyzel so authentically captures the atmosphere and dialogue of the time and place. The relationship between Matt and Jimmy is real. It’s honest. It’s affectionate in the way brothers of that age can be without feeling tender or sentimental. The Return is a heart-rending story that ends with a tragic reveal.

Shadow Man paints a picture all too real – a young man trapped in life’s circumstances, making bad decisions, and facing terrible consequences. Yes, Ricky made bad choices. But we empathize with him, feel his sincerity, his love for his daughter. Pity poor Ms. Davis who’s faced with not one, but a multitude of young men like Ricky. Pyzel’s dialogue is authentic, and this play is gut-wrenching. Excellent!

In the vein of a slamming doors farce, Balconies is gloriously frenetic and hits all the right notes – wacky characters, mistaken identities, sexual hijinks, and lots of physical comedy. The traditional staging is to have characters scurry between rooms, hide in closets and under beds. What Samantha Marchant has done differently and creatively is to place the action on a series of hotel balconies. It all works – the staging, the characters (some acrobatic!), the plot, and the non-stop comedic moments including butts on glass! Excellent!

Vatch and loin from Morey Norkin! What a wonderful slice of history and insight into Jewish immigrants, the Civil Rights Movement, and the political times in Washington, DC in the 1960s. Intriguing characters bouncing between comedic moments and serious issues make Gold Paint an all-around engaging story. Really enjoyed this!

Like Gunderson’s Silent Sky, Nora Louise Syran explores the contribution of females to science, but rather than focusing on one person, The Physics for Poets Club gives us a throng of heretofore largely unrecognized women who should be widely celebrated for their scientific prowess. I loved the incorporation of historical vignettes and the dynamics of the four girls in detention. Highly recommended.

A despicable diva. A backstage dresser who’s wounded, jealous, and ambitious. And to round out the trio, a demon with the power to bestow fame. Rachel Feeny-Williams gives us a chilling look at the lengths some are willing to go to achieve fame. Excellent.

May and Dan struggle with their grief and, in Dan’s case, with feelings of guilt as well. Can it possibly be as simple as repainting a room? The Guest Room is a heartbreaking story but not without hope. Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn gives us three distinct perspectives on the loss of a child in this heartbreaking story. Perhaps a coat of paint will make a difference, be a significant step on the road to healing. Superb!

How often do humans look up in wonder at the stars? The creative Rachel Feeny-Williams gives us a delightful story that considers another perspective – stars wondering about humans. At its heart, the story is about relationships. New friends. Parents and children. And siblings. Lighting and costume designers will jump at the chance to work on this show which will be great fun for everyone in the theatre.

Poor Charlie. A supernatural bit of bit of time travel sends him back in time nearly 30 years to where he is doomed to lived out his own Groundhog Day in a video store. Morey Norkin gives us another inventive, crisply-delivered comedy. In this case, spooky as well as great fun!

True Blue provides a wonderful opportunity for an ensemble of five mature women to sink their teeth into meaty roles. The emotions run the gamut, from bawdy hilarity to devastating heartbreak to touching love and compassion. We need more plays like this!