Recommended by Jack Levine

DANIEL PRILLAMAN has an incredible wit and takes the reader and audience on a roller-coaster type of ride with unexpected and funny ups and downs. “Focus: A Zoom Play” puts a group of eccentric employees in a Zoom business meeting. It is unlike any meeting I have ever attended. But, the humor is constant, the characters are engaging, and the focus is something audiences will do as they enjoy a really good short play.

PAUL SMITH takes us to a “Dinner” with an elderly couple and their uninvited guest. The older characters are charming and seem eager to make theIr unexpected visitor a fine meal. The young man has had more than his share of troubles, but alas, perhaps his luck has changed. The older married couple seem more than willing to help the rehabilitation of this downtrodden young man starting with a fine meal.

PAUL SMITH’s play is a witty look at a taboo of most people, when they are in the public domain. Nakedness is a choice, as being open to tryIng new things is a choice. “Altogether” has a message of being ourselves, enjoying the freedom of naturism, and accepting the lifestyle one wants. I would love to see this monologue performed onstage.

DUNCAN PFLASTER’s short play, “Suggested Donation”, is witty. There is always someone, who wants to object to a “suggested” action. Most people stay silent and ‘just do it’. I personally will make the donation if I want something. But, it was a lot of fun to have it played out with someone strongly objecting.

EMILY HAGEMAN’s play, “Good Cake”, is such a beautiful short play. Middle school youngsters are awkward under so-called normal circumstances. Even adults can and often do feel ill-at-ease at a funeral. It’s true the constant, “I’m so sorry for your loss” can be numbing, cut like a razor, and make us stay within ourselves with sadness. A cake can make one at least try to put a smile on their face. Honoring your parent at their funeral doesn’t mean you must cry all the time. This play is a wonderful piece.

DAN TAUBE lets us in on a most bazaar, interesting, and dynamic conversation of two men, A and B. We clearly see the differences until there is a startling pull of the two together, like two sides of the same coin. I was engrossed throughout the short play. ‘The Coin’ leaves us with a thought provoking endIng.

DC CATHRO has written a gem of a five-page piece. “Chase” is a wonderful opportunity for an actress to tell a short story with so much depth without speaking a word.

RACHAEL CARNES’ play is a satire of an interesting choice made by a married couple to celebrate their 10th anniversary. I love the witty dialogue, which had me laughing out loud. “Complimentary WIFI” Is a fun play.

ROSS TEDFORD KENDALL’s “Textbook Messages”, is hilarious. There was a time, long ago, when people talked in person, a conversation could be on a telephone with only two people, and a handwritten letter took days to arrive at its destination. We now can communicate quicker, with more options, yet I am not sure things are necessarily better. In this piece, we see what can happen, and probably does, with text messaging. A witty, wonderful, and wild piece!

CHELSEA FRANDSEN’s play, “Unplug”, had an emotional impact on me, as I remembered the anxiety my mother had while she pondered over the Doctor’s recommendation to end the life of her husband, my father-in-law, who was being kept alive while in a coma. This is a truly thought provoking play, and one that will be a hit with audiences.