Recommended by John Mabey

Glenn Alterman is an expert in crafting dynamic stories for the stage. And in TIME WOUNDS ALL HEELS, we witness a relationship that unfolds to reveal the depths of friendship and the costs of betrayal. As their mentor-like relationship unravels, both characters make decisions that both surprise and change their relationship forever. The key moments throughout are expertly plotted, making this a great addition for both virtual and stage productions.

There's an amazing moment in this play that made me gasp and close my eyes to imagine the ways in which it could be staged, and there were many ways. In ARBOR FALLS, I connected so deeply with the shape of spirituality in the lives of these characters. Caridad Svich presents the dialogue in such poetic and creative ways throughout, giving those reading the text an extra layer of meaning to incorporate into their performance and our imaginations. This is a play that will stay with me and continue to reveal even deeper meanings the more I reflect.

In THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS QUESTION, Rachel Feeny-Williams explores all the wonderful awkwardness of a blind date at Christmastime. As the two explore their tastes in films of the season, their differences escalate into an ending that's both satisfying and deserving of its own 'Christmas moment.' The great rhythms of the dialogue also make this a wonderful piece for performers to showcase a variety of emotions with plenty of laughs along the way.

In THE HOBBY HAUNTING, Rachel Feeny-Williams showcases inspired staging and characters in a fantastical comedy. Exploring grounded themes of relationships and individual purpose, the heightened characters and situations give so much room for play as well. And the four quadrants of staging are both creative and functional as the play progresses toward its satisfying end.

Inspiration for plays comes in many forms, and in THE ASSUMPTION OF LOVE, Debbie Lamedman has found hers in a painting by Edward Hopper. With poignant dialogue and unexpected characters, the play reveals itself in emotional layers that feel so authentic to the era. The tone of the play is both delicate and bold, packed with subtext and an ending that draws you back into the painting itself. A beautiful interpretation of the painting that creates an even greater art.

Strangers who meet and impact each other’s lives are some of the most powerful stories. And in WATER MUSIC, Arianna Rose presents an encounter that reveals itself in poignant layers, each unexpected moment leading to the next. This is a special piece with heart, humor, and especially honesty. The characters will definitely stay with me.

The ways a family will cope with grief before, during, and after someone's death are complex and varied. And in HOSPICE: A LOVE STORY, Elizabeth Coplan explores the relationship between 2 sisters in the day after their mother has died, where memory and grief collide. Handled so expertly with empathy and insight, this poignant comedy flows with dialogue that is both incredibly natural and poetic. And the result is a play that entertains and heals all at once.

Some plays defy categorization and become something new upon a second read and beyond. In 'hometown,' Miranda Jonte has crafted such an layered and visceral piece of theatre that feels both experimental and so familiar at the same time. A play about so much including romantic love, self-love, as well as love of place. It would be an absolute treat to watch different iterations of this directed for the stage.

There's power in sharing an experience, and it can be transformative even if things aren't exactly what they seem. In this monologue from Cole Hunter Dzubak, one person's daily routine as a type 1 Diabetic takes its toll, and meeting a stranger ends-up affecting more than their outlook. Well-done, and it's wonderful to see more stories around Type 1 as well.

There's a sense of both comfort and danger in depictions of family gatherings, and in OYSTER STUFFING by Paul Donnelly, we're treated to even more. The revelations are well paced and earned in this one act that follows a fractured family with divisions that aren't always clear to the outside world. Paul's dialogue is sharp and nuanced, especially between the two sisters at the start of the play, combining moments of comedy with poignant drama. A true delight for performers to bring alive on stage.