Recommended by Jack Levine

JOHN MABEY is one of my favorite playwrights. In this wonderful play, we discover so much about the complexities of an interracial relationship, homophobia, guilt and hope, tension and love, and the coping mechanisms we use to deal with the death of a loved one. As I read “A Complicated Hope”, I felt the turmoil of the three characters, who had to face their innermost grief, lost love, and hope in their own way. This is an excellent play. There is so much to learn, feel, and enjoy! Please read and produce this play!

KIM E. RUYLE captures the essence of the racial prejudices in the 1950s with a strong and interesting play about the plight of the negro, young love of a kind not tolerated by white folks, American values and religious convictions, and the different cultural values within America. “Tennessee Wet Rub” has much to offer. There is truth and honesty in Bertha and Hank, as their convictions are tested. A negro boy and a white girl struggle to find their way with their own prejudices and beliefs. I absolutely LOVED this play! BRAVO!!!

SCOTT SICKLES writes with a depth of understanding of human nature, a clarity of expressing deep emotions, and a beautiful way of letting the reader and audience experience all of it. This gem touches our heart and reminds us of similar experiences. “This Is Not A Touch Exhibit (A Monologue)” explores the idea of “falling in love” from a distance. It is truly a lovely moment in a person’s life. Well done!

RACHEL FEENEY-WILLIAMS is one of the most prolific playwrights I have had the pleasure to meet. I always enjoy her fine work. In “Fences”, we are treated to a developing teenage romance, then a shocking development, followed by an unforeseen ending. You will find this play well worth reading. Like many of Rachel’s work, this gem will be an enjoyable addition to any play festival.

JOHN BUSSER had me laughing out loud throughout his wonderful play, “Politics In The Worst Place”. The three girls are a hoot and will give three actresses witty dialogue to play with. This is a fun piece and will be a sheer delight to any audience, young or old. Good work!

PAUL DONNELLY’s play, “After Another (Full Length)”, is a well-written look at relationships with a beautifully woven texture, which is interesting, provocative, engaging, sentimental, witty, and much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this play and would love to see it performed. There were so many intriguing questions raised, and the audience is sure to be engaged watching a performance and then talking about it well after leaving the theater.

JACQUELYN FLOYD-PRISKORN writes some of the most charming plays I have had the pleasure to read. “Bronte’s Mom” is a wonderful short play. Seth and Jayne recognize the joy they receive from Brontë, even in the face of their pet’s unfortunate mishap. There is so much to learn in a marriage, about our spouse and ourselves. Brontë helps this couple in more ways than one. I highly recommend this gem.

KATE DOUGLAS has brought to life a funny, interesting, and telling story in her play, “An Infinite Progression”. I worked fifty years in an office, met a lot of people, saw and heard a lot of stories “at the water cooler”. But, I must admit, this play has the strangest ups and downs, and twists and turns, which I never saw coming. This is a fun play to read and should delight audiences.

GLENN ALTERMAN’s “AFTER” truly is a touching play. Two people meet at at a funeral and discover more than either could possibly have expected. I was moved by the way Helen and John, two strangers, share their inner thoughts to each other, in such a poetic way, as the two find out they have so much in common. I was struck by the truism that people seem to open up and reveal so much more at a funeral. We become more alive, as the playwright says through his characters. I loved reading this gem!

SCOTT SICKLES is one of my favorite playwrights. His work has always been a joy to read. “Lightning From Heaven” was an absolute delight to read. From the first page to the ending, I was immersed in the powerful tale of a passionate author and his inspirational mistress, as they fought for the freedom to tell the truth of the horrors in their native and beloved Russia. I was moved by the horror facing those who would publicly standup for freedom, justice, and human rights. This play must be read and performed. BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!