Recommended by Jack Levine

DC CATHO had me laughing from start to finish in his wild, witty, and wonderful short play, “The Artist Formerly Known As T”. This piece will be fun to watch, notwithstanding your political affiliation. “T” may be having a problem with changing his name, but I certainly have no problem highly recommending this enjoyable work.

MIKE SOLOMONSON’s play is heartwarming and gut wrenching, as two people express their absolute need for the companionship of a life-saving dog. “Thank You For Your Service” captures the intensity, needs, and vulnerability of an discharged veteran and a woman who has had a tremendous loss of her own. The ending will bring tears to your eyes, not from remorse but rather for the brilliant resolution. I loved this play!

JENNIFER O’GRADY’s “The Bookstore” is entertaining. Imagining books talking is fun, hearing what they might say is intriguing, and pondering the implications is thought provoking. I really liked this gem and hope to see it performed.

DEB MEYER’s monologue, “Mamma Needs a Break”, is an eye-opener to those who think a mother of three young children has it easy. As a father of three daughters, I learned in less than one-day (when I had to ‘takeover’ while my wife was sick) how demanding it is to take care of children, let alone do housework, shop, cook, etc. Bravo to all mothers! Bravo to Deb Meyer for expressing the stress of it all in her marvelous monologue!

DEB MEYER’s play is a witty short piece. Poor Suze. She steps on “something soft, squishy, and twitching”. A loud shriek ensues and all Suze wants is her husband to remove whatever it was. But her husband is reluctant, or perhaps too preoccupied, until a police officer shows up. “The Shriek” is a charmer.

STEVEN G. MARTIN has written some of the most compelling plays I have read. “Alone, Alone, Alone, Alone (A 1-Minute Play)” is about loneliness. Truly, a person in desperate need of companionship may not be able to embrace the opportunity. Depression can prevent the needed connection to humanity. Bravo, Steven! You always hit the mark!

RACHEL FEENEY-WILLIAM’s short play is sweet and romantic. Two people find out what are the most important things to a strong relationship. “Eggs In The Morning” hits the mark of being another delightful play by a prolific and very talented writer.

ALICE JOSEPHS’ “A Gentleman’s Agreement - A Script In A Day” has a strong emotional impact in a short piece. An old man, neighborhood pawnbroker, and a desperate youngster meet under tense circumstances. One has found how to survive in life and will help the other find a way to overcome their own immediate peril.

BEN ROSENBLATT’s short play, “We Were Such Idiots”, resonated with me, as two longtime friends share their remembrances, good and bad, about their interactions over the many years. Best friends from our childhood are rare. Like family, they know us well. Together we have a lifetime bond, and from that, there are few secrets, many stories, a love from someone who cares for you and will always tell you “as it is”. This short piece is fun to read. I would love to see it on stage.

ROBERT WEINBEZAHL’s “Straightening Up” is a very moving monologue of the heartfelt grief of an older lady on the day of her husband’s funeral. But, it is also about the deep love for her family, her desire to bring her two sons back together as they were so close as youths, and provide a mother’s love and understanding to the son who needs it the most. A beautiful piece!