Recommended by Kim E. Ruyle

A Primitive Species is a thought-provoking story about differences and similarities. Through the meeting of four well-drawn characters, Rachel Feeny-Williams poses questions, some directly, and some suggested. To what extent are genders equivalent, even identical? To what extent are they distinctly different? Anatomy? Physical capabilities? In Personality? Brain Chemistry? And to what extent can these things be modified. I love that through an entertaining story, we have a lot on which to chew.

In a bar, Mike deals with his angst by downing shots. But when Sara serves something else, it strikes a chord in Mike. In just a few words, Sara delivers a lesson. It’s a good lesson, an important lesson. Does it matter who delivers the instruction? That’s the question raised in Christopher Soucy’s excellent short play. Terrific!

Everybody Hates This Place is meaningful and feels deeply personal. It’s easy to root for Evan, the passionate protagonist crusading for a revival of his beloved Riverton. He makes compelling, cogent arguments. W.C. is well drawn, a worthy opponent to Evan’s noble plans. Given the nature of the debate, it would be easy for the dialogue to drag – it doesn’t. Richter keeps us engaged, and the occasional intrusions from the barista and Marisa inject welcomed fresh perspectives. My personal affinity for so-called Rust Belt cities makes this excellent, important story, for me, even better.

The Quickening is such a powerful play. Miller nails the dialogue. It’s natural and so well captures Marie’s wounded, raw emotional state and Joe’s reluctance and bewilderment. The trauma inflicted by the news from the Pentagon makes this a painful story, but Marie is feeling more than pain. The news she’s received may have created a heightened sense of loss rather than relief and resolution. To be sure, she’s searching for something that Joe can’t give her. The Quickening is terrific.

A Summer of Spring is picture perfect. We’re taken to a quaint Vermont B&B that serves up pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast and fresh-caught lake trout and warm apple pie for supper. And if the meals are delicious, so is the story of Violet (Emma) who arrives searching for her roots. Conversations flow with ease between the characters that feel familiar. Vivian Lermond has created a delightful story. A Summer of Spring will warm any audience.

Robert Weibezahl has crafted a creative parable about an invading species – iguanas – in south Florida. How much damage do they do? What tactics are employed by local residents to get rid of the creatures? And will they be successful? Read this very theatrical and fun play to find out. The parallels with current societal conditions are clear, and Mañana Iguana gives us a very entertaining play and lots to consider.

Old Wife Tale simmers with realism – the pain, the impending loss, the brutal honesty. Mernyk gives us a great premise, characters that we care about, and dialogue that’s spot on. At its core, Old Wife Tale is a tale of love and sacrifice. Outstanding.

When Bax and Sadie bicker, Grandma, from beyond the grave, delivers fandangles through her old couch. The unexpectedly found objects provide more than counsel and resources, they are a connection. That connection cracks the tough shell of Bax in a touching conclusion.

In Blackout, Lee Lawing introduces us to Ethel Chelsvig and George Woodley, two people who had a major role in a Seattle riot in the blackout following the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Lee gives us an idea of how they made the decision to join, if not initiate, the smashing of lights in the city. And just as the mention of Rainier beer made me thirsty, the setup in Blackout hooked me and left me thirsty for more of the larger story. I think there’s the beginning of a great full-length play here!

It’s always great fun to read a Vivian Lermond play, and Four Letter Words is not only fun, it’s hunger-inducing. Great set up, distinct and lovable characters, and rich, realistic dialogue that captures the dialect and regional cuisine. Terrific.