Recommended by John Mabey

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.

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.'

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.

'Army of the night!' In WRONG HOUSE, Adam Richter has crafted such a fun world of vampires and familial misunderstandings that makes you want to stay and take-up residence after 1-page. The character of Trevor is delightful and I'd enjoy more plays featuring this not-so-terrifying vampire who narrates to himself.

This play by Adam Szymkowicz is so beautifully paced and real in its dialogue and tempo. SUE AND STU, A CONSTRUCTION PLAY, draws you in with a brilliant economy of dialogue where so much is expressed between the words, too. And the act of being seen has never been more poignant.

This absolutely joyful play is high on laughs and heart. And Satan.
From the opening stage directions and lines, you're engrossed in the lives of these characters as the narrative takes unexpected turns.
Daniel Prillaman creates such an interesting world in this play, making each character so unique in their perspectives as he explores friendship, faith, and family. And Satanism.

OLD COWBOY CHUCK: A MONOLOGUE FOR A GAY SENIOR is a powerful monologue written with such skill and compassion. Asher Wyndham crafts a complex character not often seen in theatre and shows both his struggles and his pride. I'm left thinking of Old Cowboy Chuck long after the final page.

Vince Gatton creates such a thrilling and psychological hit with, 'Cassie Strickland Is Not Under the Bed.' Combining paranoia, fear, and regret with the process of overcoming trauma, Gatton reveals enough of the backstory in pieces so you know the right amount to perfect effect. This would be a gripping production to watch on stage and exciting for performers to tackle.

In 'The Snake on the Steering Wheel,' DC Cathro has written a wonderful short play that explores intersecting identities incredibly well. An elderly same-sex couple is grappling with implications of memory loss at the same time as examining their own relationship and the complicated issue of marriage for longtime queer couples. Heartbreaking and touching, with comedy too, this short play would make a great addition to play festivals.

This 1-minute gem from Mark Harvey Levine takes you places you'd never expect. In THAT WORD, a common occurrence erupts in comedy gold and with an ending that leaves you absolutely cursing for more.