Recommended by Enid Cokinos

A poignant play about a young mother as she faces the trials of the journey into new, and frightening territory. Cassie Seinuk does a masterful job of leading us into the story with the illusion of a firefighter rescuing a cat from a tree, while slowing unveiling the firefighter’s true character and what is actually happening. Audiences will still be talking about this play long after the lights come up. Well done.

A hilarious glimpse into the world of mimes and where they get their “props” (who knew!). We’re pulled in from page one as the Shopkeeper and Customer do their thing. Stephen San Louis’s MIME STOP would be a fun addition to any festival.

The creative team of Greg Lam and Walt McGough have crafted a winner! We’re led into the script not knowing what is really happening and then we hear from Maisie off-stage, only adding to the intrigue. Once Maisie appears on stage, it all comes together with a big laugh. A great premise and fabulous humor. I LOVE Maisie, the part of Reece that isn’t afraid to speak his mind (or her mind, as it were), and was happy to see she got the last line and laugh!

As Mike, Nicole, and David drive to Mom’s wedding, the memory of their late father was bound to slip into the conversation at some point. Inevitably in these situations, children’s opinions will vary on when, or if, the nuptials should happen, but Hageman adds touches of humor, sibling rivalries, and family memories to lighten the mood in the car. We are left feeling uplifted about how to carry on after losing a loved one by speaking of them in PRESENT TENSE.

ANNND SCENE (OF THE CRIME) is the best of two worlds: improv and a short comedic play. Still laughing! A thoroughly enjoyable show for actors and audiences alike. Brilliant!

Randy Hunt provides great visuals in this short monologue about a life-saving doughnut. Yes, Telly, you were indeed very LUCKY that day. Oh, and thanks for the great reminder on how best to enjoy those jam-filled pockets of doughy deliciousness!

I love stories written from the perspective of inanimate objects, and Walt McGough has crafted an adorable account of what socks go through after losing their mates (so relatable to us sock owners). Easily produced and full of heart, this play will be a hit in any festival.

I had the pleasure of listening to this audio drama brought to life by the incredibly talented cast of John Busser, Jacquie Floyd, Lisa Dellagriarino-Feriend, Dana Hall, Morey Norkin, and Deb A. Cole. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Christopher Plumridge and Morey Norkin, Detective John Pie solves yet another mystery! Witty banter and fun one-liners make this a hit.

Daniel Emlyn-Jones has captured the true essence of 1950s Southern Belle dialogue! ELLIE GRACE and BETTY SUE are fantastic characters that practically jumped off the page as I read (and laughed)! DREAMBOAT is an absolute delight.

A touching play told through each character’s POV. Unique, intriguing storytelling by Lana Scott Stringer. I would love to see this performed.