Recommended by Kim E. Ruyle

The Viking Suicides – it’s absurd, hilarious at times, sad at times, and “disfargonal” even! And it’s brilliant because through all the absurdity and hilarity and pain, Sapio exposes so many truths about parenthood, adolescence, womanhood, and education (not to mention gerbils and Viking folklore). I was completely taken with Millie’s circumfular, disfilliated speech. Among the memorable lines: “Hate is just love with a few nails in it.” Excellent!

Heyman has crafted a very clever and imaginative way to tell a story that reveals something about the innerworkings in the mind of a person who’s experiencing mental health challenges. Both Harris and Violet are fearful and uncertain about what’s true and what’s not. The barrier and the ball that passes through the barrier are great uses of symbolism. Excellent!

Wirsansky presents an impactful, horrifying story that must be told. Evil comes from an unexpected source, a neighbor feigning concern for Galia rather than Nazis who are rounding up Jews. Fritz’s deception makes him all that much more a monster, a richly deserved label for his use of physical and psychological torture. Lily and Julia are the heroes of this story, Julia for overcoming the shanda (her shame), and Lily for taking on Dr. Palmer who inflicts his own brand of psychological torture.

Why is vulnerability so difficult? Who do we trust enough truly open up? For Bradley, it’s Enoch, who is using a Formica tabletop as a pillow in a late-night diner. In Enoch, Bradley sees something of his former self. And when Enoch rouses, he is able to ask probing questions in a non-threatening way and draw out Bradley’s hidden past. The conversation unwraps Bradley’s secrets, and Sickles gives us a wonderful present. Terrific!

What a painful, tragic story. O’Neill-Butler clearly makes us feel Henry’s pain, Mrs. Brennan’s love, and their shared frustration with a system ill-equipped to deal with a case like this. How does a case like this end, the case of a 16-year-old boy separated from his long-term and dearly loved foster mother? One thing is clear: it’s likely that all parties involved will be unhappy.

Cottage Weekend Nightmare is like (to borrow a line from a character) a glitter cannon in a funeral home. Five middle-aged friends and a 21-year-old chippy with a selection of revealing swimsuits bring a comic energy to a Michigan cottage. All goes to hell when they’re confronted by Dagoni, a demonic deity who has murderous intent. It’s wild. It’s absurd. It’s funny.

Sassy old broads have a rollicking adventure when they join forces with Larry “Fingers” and Gino “the Whale.” A great ensemble piece with nonstop madcap comedy that never slows down. Each character is so much fun, it’s impossible to pick a favorite, but Gino and Marge are standouts as well as the swing character who’s got to move frenetically to fill 12(!) different roles. Sassy Old Broads is pure entertainment.

I laughed out loud at this meta play set in a funeral parlor. The personalization of actors and producing theatre add to the fun for actors and the audience alike. Love the introduction of the playwright, and the death scenes are magic! Brilliant!

Tornado is a poignant exploration of the lives of Marietta and Leo, a married couple who face daunting challenges, not the least of which is their daughter, Kelsey, who is afflicted with cerebral palsy. Gartner weaves the timeline of the story – pre- and post-tornado – to great theatrical effect. The characters are flawed but eminently likeable. Kelsey especially tugs at the heart strings with her strength and vulnerability. The denouement crowns Tornado with a powerful, gut-wrenching ending.

Prillaman consistently delivers provocative theatre. Bereavement Leave gives us a creepily absurd workplace, sharply drawn characters, and a suspenseful story. Dark humor is woven into the narrative that raises some profound questions. What is the meaning of life? Of Death? Of work? This story is told courageously. It will be lodged in your mind for a long time. Bravo!