Recommended by Kim E. Ruyle

The logline says that two playwrights discuss the joy of trying to be recognized for one’s art. In fact, this smart duologue is a brutally honest, insightful look at the playwright’s pain. The pain of using social media in a search for recognition. The difficulty of being produced. Cogswell skewers the NPX mutual admiration society and shines a blistering light on our labors. Brilliant.

Wow. This one is going to leave a mark. Deb Cole deftly sets us up to take an uncomfortable, even painful, journey that jerks us around and delivers what the title promises – A Surprise. This short play does what good theatre should do – throttle our emotions and make us think. Outstanding.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions or, in the case of this story by Rachel Feeny-Williams, good intentions lead to a scalded crotch and nearly a lot worse. The Visitor is a comedy of errors that provides an enjoyable ride.

We need people like Millie when the state’s power runs amok. And, boy, does it in this fun parody of traffic laws, zealous police officers, and reckless drivers. Great fun!

Rachel Feeny-Williams understands a writer’s frustration and provides Claire with some great words of advice to pass on to struggling Vivian, including the importance of writing through, soliciting feedback, and rewriting. But Claire never expected how Vivian’s impatience and volatility would create a surprising crisis. Just as surprising is how the crisis is resolved. A really fun piece!

The Staten Island Ferry is a great setting for a murder mystery, and once again, Ryan Kaminski demonstrates a good command of the genre. The characters are well drawn, the dialogue is sharp, and the intrigue is maintained from the first page to the last. I especially liked the theatre and acting references. Well done.

Drink the Water is a short but powerful revenge story. Lee R. Lawing has set up a scary, intense, and theatrical scenario, a cautionary tale about looking the other way and the meaning of “having your hands tied.” Terrific.

What new circle of hell is this? Nora Louise Syran shows us from the devil’s perspective and, in the process, serves up some clever one-liners. My favorite: …I invited the Whore of Babylon to come along with me in my 1972 Convertible Dodge Demon… A really fun short play.

No, it’s not going to work out. The relationship’s dead. Killed by jealousy which is truly a monster as Vivian Lermond drives home in this very short but pointed and effective play. Wonderfully done!

Eureka! Morey Norkin’s got the scenario for some fun theatre: the creative brainstorming and innovation brought to life as Bell and Watson tackle the issue of telecommunication. Now, what if we add an ear & nose hair trimmer?