Recommended by Enid Cokinos

Matthew Weaver takes us behind the scenes as Gobbler and Phil discuss the truth about Groundhog Day. “They get together in one of those smoke-filled backrooms after hours and debate: Shadow or no shadow this year?” And apparently focus groups and market research come into play in making the decision. Who knew? GOBBLER & PHIL ON GROUNDHOG DAY EVE is a fabulously funny piece of theatre. I want to see this one performed!

I had the pleasure of hearing DEATH OF A CHICKEN read this past weekend as part of the inaugural Actors Theatre of Indiana (ATI) Playwriting Lab. With a title like this, you would expect only comedy, but there is so much more to this poignant play. Alicia Hernandez-Roulet brings together two friends, each dealing with an unexpected, horrible death. However, through well-crafted dialogue and realistic characters, the play circles back around, leaving the audience with a feeling of hope and optimism for the future. A wonderful emotional roller coaster ride.

Snappy dialogue. Hilarious premise. Fabulous characters. What’s not to love about GARAGE INVASION by Rex McGregor? Donnie just wants to get in his car and drive to work, but Department of Public Safety Inspector Blair has him over a barrel until he passes the requisite tests. But when Donnie turns the tables, Blair realizes it’s no fun to be under a microscope. A fun play with a crazy twist ending. Yes, definitely crazy and loved it!

Christmas letters. Love em’ or hate ‘em, they do serve a purpose. But what if this was going to be the last one you ever wrote? How much to include (or not) takes on a new level of importance. A humorous critique of Stella’s annual letter with a poignant twist and a reminder of what’s really important: “…gratitude for love, family, and every precious moment together…” A wonderful holiday play to see with family and friends.

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS takes us behind the scenes as a group of mall executives discuss how to put the perfect spin on this year’s Christmas theme. Nancy wants traditional, magical, warm and fuzzy. Her co-workers toss out ideas like Zombie Santa, a North Pole Escape Room, and much more. Every idea more outlandish and hilarious than the last. A perfect pick for any holiday-themed festival.

Poor Tim. He really wants to work at Neovation, but this is turning out to be the job interview from hell. Does he get the job, or does he just have too many flaws and insecurities? Only the Scanner knows for sure. A delightful piece of theatre packed with humor.

This play puts me right there alongside young Carl and old-timer Thomas in a coal mine cave-in. Thomas’s story of surviving another cave-in, and what may have happened during those twenty-two days, adds the perfect amount of suspense to this story. I love plays that leave the audience wondering what will become of the characters, and BLOOD and COAL DUST does just that as Carl blows out the lamp, plunging them into darkness. End of Play. Perfect.

Who wouldn’t want a last chance to tell a loved one ‘thank you’ for all they did for you? Rachel takes this unexpected opportunity to express her anger at losing her brother, but it’s clear they once shared a strong bond, and her eulogy for Brandon’s upcoming service is nothing short of poignant. I’m not sure there will be many dry eyes in the audience.

I want to see this play! Every page is filled with laughs as actors John and Mary cover for Tom who just can’t seem to hit his cue. But Tom’s off-stage comments about missing shoes and forgetting to don his dance belt (still laughing) drive the ad-libbing hilarity on stage giving all of the actors a chance to shine. A wonderful comedy by Kate Danley.

From start to finish, BARCELONA is packed with humor and I couldn’t wait to see how the story unfolded. The interaction between adult Agent Milton and a very young Agent Skye Hunter? Priceless! A great piece of theatre that would be an equally fabulous short film.