Recommended by Kim E. Ruyle

This is a clever, fast, and very fun piece of readers’ theatre. Not only would this be entertaining for an audience, I think it could be an excellent activity in an acting class. Well done.

Maisie’s coming-of-age journey begins later than for most; it’s a journey that’s poignant and humorous. She’s a flawed but thoroughly likeable and vibrant character surrounded by a terrific cast of supporting characters, each distinctly drawn and essential to the story. The fast-moving dialogue sparkles and doesn’t miss a note. Insertion is an engaging, memorable play. Highly recommended.

As a former Marine, Kline writes compellingly and with authority about a divorced couple, both ex-Marines. After four years of separation, they’re together again in a VA hospital room where, in fewer than ten pages, Kline packs in a story is tragic, funny, and ultimately deeply moving. There’s so much to like about this short play. The authenticity of the dialogue is exceptional. Highly recommended.

George and Gloria, an endearing Appalachian couple, are hard pressed upon by troubles, but their relationship is beautiful, and their banter is highly amusing. Milley, Gloria’s sister, has her own problems, and her attempts to spur romance with AJ, the simple but super helpful family friend, is great fun. A mysterious visitor joins the mix to provide a thought-provoking point of view. Falling stars pay off for George and Gloria. And Falling Stars pays off for the audience, too. Well done.

An intriguing premise: Madame X, subject of a painting, comes to life and steps into the presence of John Singer Sargent, the artist. They gradually reveal the backstory of the painting and a deeply affecting relationship that developed and followed them, haunted even them long after the painting was completed. The intimacy of the story and magical animation of Madame X make for great theatre.

Vivian Lermond imbues Mary, the vibrant widow, with the wiles referred to by the poet…
With care, and skill, and cunning art,
She parried Time's malicious dart
Mary’s clever scheming and manipulation are masterful – Louie and Rosa never see it coming. And the sexual innuendo, euphemisms, and banter traded with Tess are priceless. Another gem from Vivian Lermond. Delightful!

Imaginative and highly theatrical, Black Holes in their Soft Bodies has terrific roles for five women. One gives voice to the George Washington Bridge where the other four, contemplating suicide, congregate. Rice has drawn distinct characters with unique voices. Actors will love to sink their teeth into these meaty roles. As the suicidal women argue, insult, tease, and eventually bond, we feel their pain and sadness. But the indomitable female spirit doesn’t allow it to end there. Excellent.

I loved this play! Tight grabbed me from the opening and held me tightly in its grip until the surprising and highly satisfying conclusion. The premise, the characters, and dialogue are fabulous. It’s so refreshing to see stories like this, stories about vibrant seniors in the thralls of love… Or lust... Fantastic!

The Taste of Fire is an extraordinary, gut-punching tragedy. Donnelly masterfully captures the impact drunk driving has on two families and clearly shows how both families, all parties, are victims. The characters are brilliantly conceived, and the emotions are so raw and palpable. Nothing here is predictable. The Taste of Fire is gripping theatre and gets my highest recommendation.

Soltero-Brown has a gift for dialogue, and it’s on full display in Jealousy. In his distinctive fashion, Ric dazzles with dialogue that manages to be simultaneously enigmatic, compelling, and so very authentic. The intensity ebbs and flows as Al, Gunner, and Celia play mind games, alternately screwing with each other, flirting, cajoling, threatening, and wooing. A solid three-hander that will keep you guessing right up to the end: have the men learned enough about the woman to charm her?