Recommended by Kim E. Ruyle

Astor Place is a well-researched, ambitious dramatization of the true-life feud between American actor Edwin Forrest and English actor William Charles Macready. Martineau does a marvelous job weaving the threads of the story involving a large cast of characters, settings, and timeframes. I was unfamiliar with the story of the Astor Place Riot and found it fascinating to learn about the degree of animosity between the principal characters and the lengths to which they went to disparage each other. The Forrest-Macready feud culminated in DIS-Astor Place. Martineau’s dramatization of this story is excellent.

In the words of Hazel, “This is some Emperor’s New Clothes bullshit!” Emperor’s New Clothes, yes, but this play must be seen. Hilarious premise, terrific characters, great physical comedy, and a truly surprising ending. Outstanding.

It’s hard to believe that there are people in leadership positions who are as clueless as Donegal. Unfortunately, they do exist. His actions and comments range from mildly insulting to downright harassment, but he seems blinded to his insensitivity by his perceived good intentions. If so, that makes him an ignorant moron. If, on the other hand, he’s manipulative and knows what he’s doing, that makes him a psychopath. Cole’s play leads us to not only consider the source, but also the outcome of such sensitivity. Excellent.

Conversations is scary, it’s funny, and it’s so creative! Feeny-Williams skewers radical masculine and feminine viewpoints expressed by the obnoxious chatbots. But it does more. This play gives credence to the view that AI and electronic communication, in general, are damaging the ability for humans to communicate in honest, face-to-face conversation. This play will generate plenty of laughter. It’s funny, but there’s a serious message here. Real conversations are important. Conversations, the play, is excellent.

Just when you think it can’t escalate any further, these two clowns find a way to take it up a notch. And with each jump in the escalation, I laughed out loud. Not Backing Up, Not Backing Down will be wild to see played out on the stage, and the audience will be in stitches. Wonderfully funny!

Mastermind criminals they’re not, but the bumbling of Carl and Paul makes them masters of comedy. Penny Ransom is a riotous comedic romp from start to finish. And while the kidnappers are inane goofballs, Penny, their victim, epitomizes poise and cunning. Superb contrast. Superb gags and quips. Penny Ransom, a superb ten-minute comedy.

Mister Frank is one clever teacher. By dropping statements dripping with sexual innuendo into his lesson, he’s got the kids on the edge of their seats, leaning in, really paying attention. Mister Frank is not only clever, it’s great fun.

It was a simple time in 1950s rural Oregon. There is an innocence captured in Cole’s story that is almost foreign in today’s world of social media. A Penny for Your Thoughts is a sweet and intriguing story about adolescent cousins dealing with some serious issues. Really well done.

In Morning Brew, what begins as an awkward encounter turns into an engaging and insightful conversation. Wouldn’t every writer wish to have the prescience that Marti (with an i) has? The developing connection between Steve (with an eve) and Marti is perhaps wanted more than needed. And for the audience, it’s certainly a satisfying way to end a clever romantic comedy.

This spider infestation will give you the heebie-jeebies and lots of laugh. One can only imagine the fate that awaits poor L.G. It’s playful, easily staged, and has hilarious physical antics to complement the absurdity of the premise and funny dialogue. Well done.