Recommended by Jack Levine

In life, we may yearn for things unsaid, or for goals expected to be broken. We want to throw off the constraints we allow to happen. In this marvelous monologue, “The Soup”, by GEORGIA XANTHOPOULOU, a Chief finds more than just the ingredients for his soup. He finds life’s ingredients, to be what he truly wants, to be free to live, to not be afraid.

ADAM RICHTER knows how to tell a good story. Humor is something that comes easy to this brilliant playwright, as so much of his work is just plain fun to read. In “Hot Dog Destiny”, we are taken on a most interesting ride. Be prepared to laugh, and don’t forget to hold onto your hot dog.

DAN WEST gives us humor, with a thought provoking question: Can genius be acquired? Elden’s plan is - well - a ‘little’ off the way one might gain insight, inspiration, or, an odd way to be smarter. “Edison’s Last Breath’ is witty and satirical. I enjoyed reading it!

RICH HELMS gives us something very interesting to contemplate. In “The Diner Cycle”, people find out about themselves. They can now, after their death, begin to learn answers to questions they had in life. They can become aware of truths that alluded them in life. “The Diner” is certainly a thought provoking play, which will have an audience talking about it long after the performance.

In life, we may have deep dark secrets and never have the nerve or will to speak our truths. But, so much can change when death comes knocking at our door. ROBERT J. LEBLANC’s ten-minute play, “What’s Left Unsaid”, is beautifully written. Two sisters have a heart-to-heart discussion while their mother breathes her last breaths. There is so much meaning to this short play. It is well-worth the time to read it. I highly recommend this short play.

As an eighty-two year old, I can definitely relate to this monologue, “A Gust of Wild”, by MARJ O’NEILL-BUTLER. in the last years of our lives, especially after our beloved spouse has departed, we can be filled with grief. We also may feel guilty if we ‘go on with our life’, perhaps meeting someone else. This is a nice monologue.

ASHLEY DUFFY’s ten-minute play, “Golden Hour”, ventures into the emotional turmoil, regret, anxiety of divorced parents of a child. This is a dark drama which has a strong emotional impact. It’s short but powerful . I found this play to be interesting.

Oh, my, this is a play to remember. Chance versus fate. Some might say there’s no difference. Perhaps so. In this play, “American Roulette”, by DAN WEST, friends decide to play a game of life or death. It might be fun, exciting and entertaining game, but there can be extreme consequences. I urge those who like dark comedies to read this play. It’s well-written, humorous, and thought provoking. The odds are in your favor to find this to be most entertaining.

JOHN BUSSER is one funny guy, with wit, wisdom and weirdness. Just kidding. John is SO SERIOUS. We’re at a solemn wedding where JC, Son of G-d, is getting married. What could be sweeter? Of course, it’s the last day before the Apocalypse; Death, Famine, War or Warren, are groomsmen. There’s a Jewish girl rather than a Catholic girl as the Bride; and —- you REALLY need to read this brilliant, hilarious, crazy ten-minute play, “The Four Groomsmen Of The Apocalypse”. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

RICH HELMS’ monologue, “Taking Turns Holding On”, is personal storytelling telling at its finest. As I read it, my mind’s eye could picture and relate to the well told life circumstances of handling, as best as possible, the tragedy of death, disease and despair. I, too, like so many, have dealt with cancer, not as the person with this horrible disease, but as the caregiver. Rich tells his story with such depth of understanding, such honestly, that you will be totally captivated. I certainly was