Recommended by Enid Cokinos

Melody DeRogatis has penned a lovely romantic comedy about learning to navigate a new relationship and trusting your heart. I enjoyed the negotiation about whether to move forward based on their astrological signs and the audience is left to wonder if Aris can overcome her Scorpio vs. Leo dilemma.

John Kelly has captured the beautiful imagery of a snowy moonlit night as April shares the memory of her first waltz—The Snow Waltz—with her beloved August more than fifty years ago. And through Harold, she is able to relive that special dance. A wonderfully poignant play.

Maripat Allen has truly captured the anxiety of being stuck in a box several floors up in her comedic play “Stuck.” (Been there, done that!) Convincing characters and witty dialogue will have audiences leaning forward in anticipation of what happens next. A fun addition to any one-act festival.

A well-told story by Donna Hoke about friendship and lessons of love (often learned the hard way). Distinct characters, relatable interactions, and snappy dialogue make for a delightful romantic comedy. I especially enjoyed Xyler and Anthis–houseplants that add an interesting perspective about what is happening around them! This play is sure to be a hit with audiences everywhere.

Katie Thayer’s play “Finding Love in 10 Minutes or Less” is full of wonderful humor and witty dialogue. This play is easily produced with a simple set and a few costumes, and actors are sure to enjoy bringing each of the crazy characters to life. This will be a fun addition to any short play festival.

This is a touching, fun play. Nicole Amsler’s characters are distinct and their interactions believable. Most women in the audience will easily relate to these friends who struggle to find even one evening to share a drink and catch up. The bond between Lena and her mom, Muriel, tugged at my heartstrings, and as “Girl's Night Out” wrapped up, I wanted to join them at the table to share a Cosmopolitan and hear the rest of their conversation.

Nicole Amsler has created a short-play gem. Her true-to-life characters and witty dialogue capture the craziness of family gatherings, holiday traditions, and those boastful year-end letters we all dread receiving (and make fun of while we read them). “Holiday Cards,” with its fun, satisfying twist, will be a hit at any holiday play festival.

This is such a sweet, touching play. I feel for Lottie and completely understand her resistance to all those high school reunions. Then, when she finally attends, she learns that all her friends, except Len, are gone. All that’s left are the memories. Donna Hoke has captured the mixture of emotions that go along with these gatherings; including that initial anxiety of stepping into a room of people you haven’t see in decades. This play is a gentle reminder to not wait because life passes by too quickly.

Ray Arsenault has captured a truly poignant, life-altering moment in the characters’ lives by bringing them together in a bar at closing under the guise of an audition. The twist was perfectly timed and truly impactful. Arsenault’s well-crafted dialogue provides actors with a marvelous opportunity to dig into these roles and bring Raleigh and Rob to life on the stage.

“The Deal” by Ryan Kaminski is an intriguing short play set in the deep south in the 1950s. Several twists kept me wondering how it would turn out and I loved that Vivian had the upper hand in the end.