Recommended by Kim E. Ruyle

In Bound for Glory, Christopher Soucy gives us the story of Inspector Marius, an inspector charged with observing and documenting the illegal sexual perversions of the Marquis de Sade. The dogged determination of Marius eventually results in the imprisonment of the Marquis in the Bastille. But it’s really Marius who finds himself imprisoned by desires generated by his surveillance until he breaks free to embrace his lust. Bound for Glory is a compelling, provocative, intimate play that will generate interesting post-show conversation. Well done.

The Bad Shepherd is perfect. Perfectly over the top. Perfectly absurd. Perfectly hilarious. It’s creative, profane, and unpredictable. It’s campy, uproarious, and entertaining as hell. Like I said, it’s perfect.

Donna Stuccio sets up a police interrogation in "the box", and we’ve all seen this before. Or, we think we have. The exchange between LaRosa and Danny has a ring of authenticity. The intensity of the interrogation starts as a slow burn but escalates to a shocking conclusion. Excellent!

Read this play! Within the first page or two, you’ll know you’re in capable hands. Triplett’s craft is on full display in States of Grace, a tour de force that punches you in the gut and evokes about every possible emotion. It’s raw. It’s tender. It’s real. It’s fantastic.

Look Away provides a little-known history lesson that is so very timely. Norkin has researched this well and made a good choice to share the story of Grant’s General Order No. 11 through reader’s theater where it might have greater impact than through an essay or lecture. The message emphasized in the narrator’s final thoughts are a clarion call that should be sounded, especially now with the rampant increase in antisemitism. Look Away is important. It should be produced often. The clarion call should be heard far and wide.

The first thing that struck me about Aunt Nellie’s Two Cents Worth is how effectively Baker uses an eye dialect to enhance the naturalistic dialogue and capture the language of 1950 Indiana. More than the language, Baker captures the values and mindset of the times and the region. It’s worth considering how times change, but people not so much. Really well done.

Oh, my God. I didn’t get through the list of characters before I was laughing out loud. Morey Norkin, the master of hilarious, witty shorts, has done it again! The zingers never stop in this play. Clever, clever, clever! My highest recommendation!

Gabriella Bonamici has crafted a terrifically suspenseful play in Black Coyote. The mysterious setting and physicality of the action contribute to its theatricality. There are great roles for three 17-year-old females. The characters are sharply defined but carry secrets that keep the audience learning in. Excellent dialogue and pacing, too, make Black Coyote a winning play. I want to see it on the stage!

I was anticipating a romcom, but no… Pillow Talk might be short on romance, but it's long on comedy, wickedly funny dark comedy. Great set up, pacing, suspense, a quirky character (really quirky!), and a surprise ending. Terrific!

Don Baker’s monologue packs a powerful punch. Yeah, we all have regrets. But who takes the time to seriously reflect? Who has the courage and willingness to embrace vulnerability? Baker does. And it’s truly inspiring. Highly recommended.