Recommended by John Mabey

Penguin life has never been this enjoyable on stage. In POLAR OPPOSITES, we meet a comedic dysfunctional duo with an even funnier surprise ending. Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn takes what we know about these adorable birds and heightens to perfection while commenting on parenthood, marriage, and the dynamics of egg-life.

This is such an engaging and well-crafted scene of loss and connection between two women struggling with both. WALKIES is both comedic and dramatic, and Jennifer O'Grady writes this balance with a deft hand and great emotional insight.

Jack Levine presents such a poignant scene in BONDS THAT NEVER BREAK between two brothers who are on a journey in more ways than one. As they share their grief, we also get a sense of how their memories together overlap as well as diverge, providing a unique reflection about their relationship. Levine crafts a memorable play here with special lines that make you pause and reflect as well.

In FIRE, Vivian Lermond graces us with an exciting character with a lot to say about lust and love. And behind the words we understand there's an even larger story peeking through the subtext as well. A fantastic one-minute piece that will have you thinking about Miss Ella and her stories long after.

Never before have I seen an image and read the accompanying play with such a creative spin. In THE BEAR, Christopher Plumridge introduces us to the most unlikely of characters with a desperate need. Perhaps more than one 'need,' and therein lies the fun. A well-written, dark comedy that could easily spawn a larger story about the bear's origins as well as what's to come.

This is such a powerful piece by Adam Richter. In CLIPS we're introduced to characters who reveal themselves throughout the piece in surprising ways. It's a fascinating exploration of journalism and the manner in which we consume news as well as the perfect backdrop for the shifting dynamics of power, wealth, and politics. This would be such a gripping production to watch unfold on stage as well.

Relationships are complex, and only the people involved know the true stories. But even then, sometimes those in a marriage also need to share the (mis)understood stories of their life together. In BRONTE'S MOM, Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn unravels the story of this couple as well as what's gone unsaid. Covering parenthood, marriage, career, and health, this short piece delivers both comedy and drama on one couple's special night.

I always know I'm in for something special with a play by Scott Sickles. In 'murmurs,' there's a dynamic energy throughout the entire piece where every line feels expertly crafted toward both character's wants. And the subtext throughout is strong and clear. This is a special one-act that captures a relationship underexplored in plays and presented so beautifully.

Robert Weibezahl writes powerful monologues and WRONG TURN is one of his best. In times of death we often reflect on life, and this piece takes us on a journey of surprises and revelations for both character and audience. There's so much to unravel in living a life we didn't fully choose, and Weibezahl gives us such a full history of different lives in just a few pages.

You are immediately transported to a British tearoom in this funny short from Rachel Feeny-Williams. NO MORE TEA offers an outrageously fun culture crash and comedic meltdown with panache. The characters are well-drawn and the wordplay delightful.