Recommended by John Mabey

I greatly enjoy the mismatched juxtaposition of emotions with locations, and in SCAVENGER HUNT by Marj O'Neill-Butler, this has never been more fun. The characters of Adam and Carrie are cleverly written with such clear voices, and their scavenger hunt ends in finding quite the prize indeed. This play is a wonderful dark comedy with so much light, and a story about finding joy at the most unexpected times.

SUDDENLY RIPPLING, OUT AND UP is a heartfelt and complex piece, all within 1-minute. Steven G. Martin creates a broad world quickly, providing so much depth in every line and stage direction. And with an ending that skillfully makes you reconsider what came before.

In A BENEVOLENT ALLIANCE OF MOURNERS, Ken Preuss skillfully provides all of the comedy, drama and everything in-between when two people meet under the worst circumstances but at the best possible time. Ellie is a funeral singer and Daniel lost his friend, both connecting unexpectedly but recognizing in the other a certain kind of pain. And as each takes the risk of opening-up and sharing what's been hidden away, they find so much more than they ever expected. A powerful piece that should be performed again and again.

For anyone who feels more comfortable in cities, THE INTERIOR is a welcome validation. And for anyone with a great sense of adventure, then this one-act is also a welcome delight. Scott Sickles has an amazing way of writing characters with such complexity and humor, even in the most horrifying situations. And this wonderfully written one-act will definitely have you filled with both fright and laughter, even simultaneously.

WHORTICULTURE is a theatrical powerhouse. It's a rare play that entertains while also exploring trauma within such deep intersections of gender, race, sexuality, and so much more. Emma Goldman-Sherman expertly paces with both poetry and tragedy as the actresses pivot between different characters across the lifespan. There is brilliant writing throughout as she takes the unchallenged, toxic attitudes and behaviors toward women and shows how they manifest in such catastrophic ways. This all-encompassing work is at times fantastical, raw, comedic, and devastating - but always real. And exactly what the theatre needs most right now.

I'm always ready for a great story when I read a John Patrick Bray play. And FRIENDLY'S FIRE is utterly captivating as each character is written with so much depth and complexity no matter if they're human or beast or more. Also remarkable are the ways in which doubling occurs when characters manifest at key moments, providing directors and performers with so much to explore. A beautifully written story that resonates with the ways we suffer, the ways we heal, and the relationships that see us through.

There are many ways to volunteer and serve your country, and in CHICKEN-FRIED CATFISH, Donna Latham explores one of the more unexpected. The character of Sylvia truly shines as a citizen detective bringing insurrectionists to justice. And along the way, we learn about her skills and motivations in a comedic encounter complete with face paint and ram horn headgear. Political intrigue has never been so fun.

This is such a delightful play! When the Son of God suddenly appears in a couple's home for tea, there's no time for second guessing life decisions or pre-planning your questions. Greg Lam writes these characters with an incredible amount of heart and insight, and shows how our biggest fears might also demonstrate our biggest strengths. And in the process, we're entertained by a play that delivers on both the comedy and the faith in ourselves.

There's often so much history and shorthand to explore between siblings. And playwrights Dawson Moore and Schatzie Schaefers expertly reveal both the lightheartedness and drama of that relationship in SKID MARKS. We're at first treated to some great comedy before it takes a turn, and everything we assumed about the conversation becomes even more poignant and transformed. It's a powerful piece delivered in such an entertaining way that will definitely have audiences on the edge of their seats.

There's been such an emotion toll over the past year especially. And in ENOUGH, Greg Vovos explores the impact of that toll on two friends doing their best to cope and to connect. At times comedic and then dramatic, the play demonstrates how we're called upon to navigate a myriad of emotions often simultaneously, and the importance of reaching out to those who are suffering under the strain.