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John Mabey

Recommended by John Mabey

  • Last Dance with MJ by Lindsay Partain
    3 Feb. 2021
    “ The characters and dialogue in LAST DANCE WITH MJ are so engaging, and Lindsay Partain writes in such an authentic way that I feel as if I'm watching the production as I read. The relationship between the characters is very strong as they both grapple with compassion and hard truths. Rejection and revenge have never been sweeter or this enjoyable. ”
  • The Sentence - 10 Minute Play by Ryan Kaminski
    3 Feb. 2021
    “ The meanings of justice and punishment are so wonderfully complex in Ryan Kaminski's THE SENTENCE. It's the sign of a remarkable play when the audience is able to connect with the viewpoints of disparate characters, and the ending leaves both heartache and hope. Also wonderful is the ability to stage this play live for an audience and also as an audio play. ”
  • Reclaiming the Night by D. Lee Miller
    3 Feb. 2021
    “ D. Lee Miller has written a short play with so much power in RECLAIMING THE NIGHT. Both mother and son struggle with much from their own lives as well as from their history together, and the journey to find the perfect spot in the hills mirrors their own journeys, too. With unexpected comedic moments as well, this superb play demonstrates the power of reclaiming one's life and the many paths we take to get there. ”
  • Tax Day by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons
    3 Feb. 2021
    “ TAX DAY by Hilary Bluestein-Lyons is hauntingly beautiful. We're introduced to two women and at just the right moments we learn so much about their relationship and what they mean to each other, including the pain they're both holding inside. And just when you think you know where the play is going, it transforms into something even more. A special play exploring dementia and forgiveness that would make a great addition to short play festivals. ”
  • The Raft by Matthew Weaver
    2 Feb. 2021
    “ In this romantic comedy, THE RAFT, you'll be floating away in no time. Matthew Weaver has written a very unique fantasy that's grounded in genuine affection and love. The character of the alligator especially is a great role for any performer looking for an exciting challenge. Audiences will also love the experimental nature of the piece while rooting for the couple on the raft - I mean bed. ”
  • Steam by Samantha Marchant
    2 Feb. 2021
    “ In STEAM, Samantha Marchant has infused so much insight into a short piece with clever use of comedy and a simultaneous voice over from the radio. Also this juxtaposition of a dressed-up version of ourselves with a bare reckoning of our authentic self is very compelling as well. ”
  • CONFLUENCE by Rachael Carnes
    2 Feb. 2021
    “ CONFLUENCE is a fantastic monologue to read and reflect on both what has passed with sheltering in place and also what's to come. Rachael Carnes writes so deftly and with such vivid imagery that the monologue is poetic as well. The lines about oceans and waves especially take on new meanings as I've reread this piece, too. ”
  • The Satin Worshippers by Peter Dakutis
    2 Feb. 2021
    “ All hail great comedy! In THE SATIN WORSHIPPERS, Peter Dakutis takes us on a journey of misspellings and hell hounds that results in unexpected blessings and self-acceptance. With a quick pace and funny dialogue throughout, this incantation of a play will continue to cast quite a spell at play festivals. ”
  • Not Exactly a Lullaby (a monologue) (Playing on the Periphery #4) by Scott Sickles
    2 Feb. 2021
    “ There are some monologues that I just long to hear aloud, and NOT EXACTLY A LULLABY is at the top. The writing by Scott Sickles is so honest and authentic, and I don't believe I've read another monologue that explores bullying, abuse, homophobia, and friendship so masterfully and from a child's perspective. We're taken on a journey with so many insights about the broader world of these characters, and at the core is an 8-year old boy truly carrying 'the weight of the world.' ”
  • A House by the Side of the Road by Philip Middleton Williams
    2 Feb. 2021
    “ Philip Middleton Williams is a writer who never disappoints, and A HOUSE BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD is one of his best. It's rare for a writer to make me feel nostalgic for something I've never experienced, and reading his short play transported me into this world and its many colors. The manner in which the father and sons relate to each other and to themselves is expressed so clearly in every line. And baseball itself is a character that evolves throughout the piece from something that's just 'played' into something that's imagined as well. ”

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