Recommended by Rachel Bykowski

A delightfully absurd and insightful take on the sad/comical current state of affairs in our society. Carnes's imagination juxtaposes Viking-like rulers with corporate office politics to show how even over a thousand years later not much as changed.

Everything you loved and hated about being a undergrad at a party that was too cool for you to attend but you wanted to fit in sooooo desperately. Weingarten perfectly channels the feeling of young adulthood angst that makes every character in this play so relatable. The language is rich and emotions and stakes are incredibly high that makes this play a fun, glittery rollercoaster ride

A humorous play that celebrates childhood innocence and the high stakes of a parent trying to navigate the high stakes of a seven year-old's life.

The moment I saw "three women, ghost stories, and wendigos" I was hooked. A lovely coming of age story of three 20-somethings sharing stories and bonding over their worst fears. Watch as three women pass along the oral traditions of their families that include a spooky tale of a grandmother and a father's ghost coyote. A beautiful depiction of how oral tradition creates legends/myths and keeps generations of family members alive through their stories

I love self-awareness and plays/playwrights that poke fun at themselves and structure while still delivering a concise message. This is almost a play-within-a play: you watch as a young child drops some serious knowledge about the age-old excuses for not wanting to vote, but you are also watching the playwright putting on the play through photos of toys. I think this would be great, not only for an actor, but for a director to dive into as well.

I felt this play in my heart. Wyndham demonstrates control over the dynamic ebb and flow of the script. Building you up with a lighthearted jaunt through a mall to go shoe shopping for back to school, only to let a wave crash into you as you realize the young child's reasoning for the shoe they want. Suddenly, innocence is lost in a single moment.

A sweet, short play about navigating the chaos that comes with the holidays and family gatherings. A great observation about how people often feel the need to pry into other people's business, the importance of privacy, and controlling the narrative.

A honest, comedic take on the frustrations of professional jealousy. Hayet creates two characters that exist in every human being: the Jen Harper we ARE, and the Jen Harper we WANT TO BE. It's a charming play that ends with the message on the importance of being genuine and honest with yourself.

Does a real "Wonder Woman" exist? Once A Spy proudly proclaims, YES! Bublitz shines a light on a little known hero during World War II, Nancy Wake. However, Bublitz does not shy away from making Nancy a truly dimensional character: she is vulnerable and strong; neither ALL good or ALL bad. Nancy is a human being with a courageous spirit.
As a 20% Theatre Company Chicago member, we are so excited to be presenting this play as part of our DarkRoom New Play Development Series. Bublitz creates an exciting play that reminds us that women are more than one thing

A play that honestly begins to discuss the social, racial, and economical questions that come with adoption. These are not easy questions, nor are the answers. But in this play, while the arguments are heated and tensions rise, the children are not forgotten.