Recommended by Jack Levine

HAYLEY ST. JAMES has created a witty monologue, which is perfect for Groundhog’s Day, or any other day you want to laugh out loud. “Punxsutawney Phil is Sick of this Shit: A Monologue for a Pissed Off Deity” is funny, and you might get a message or two about the environment and stupid people. Get this on Zoom or stage as soon as possible! It’s hilarious!

JENNIFER O’GRADY hits on a topic most men, like me, feel uncomfortable talking about. Others, too, have the same reaction: oh, I think I have to go out and do something, somewhere, somehow. If not, I think there is a critical football game on now - despite its not when football is played. “Menopause Play” is well-done. It’s witty, informative, and makes the point: hey, pay attention and understand what is happening and why I act the way I do. I really enjoyed this play!

JACQUELYN FLOYD-PRISKORN takes us into the final moments (maybe?) of an engaged couple’s relationship. They have great sex, but there seems to be something missing - like anything beyond sex. “Love Shackles” is the horrible time you realize things are not working out, but your partner has a very different idea on how to end things.

ADAM RICHTER says so much in only a few words. A collector treasures a valuable album. When a customer buys it, there may be a perception difference in what makes this item so valuable. “Collector’s Item” is a true representation of real life.

KAREN FIX CURRY’s short piece builds up the tension and brings us to a satisfying ending. In fact, I think the audience will love this play as ... you will find out when you read this fun play. This is a piece that belongs in a festival.

PAUL SMITH is a brilliant playwright. This monologue is a lament by an older actor, who desperately wanted to play the role of Hamlet but never did. “I Will Never Play Hamlet” is a piece which can be performed on Zoom, and it provides a nice role for an older actor. I liked the wit, which added a sweet touch.

PAUL SMITH’s play is wonderful and captures the grandiose character of one of the most formidable historical figures of the twentieth century, Sir Winston Church, and the deeply committed artist, Graham Sutherland. “The Portrait” expresses the truth and reality of the time. It runs up against what one famous and vain man thinks of the artist’s work.

KAREN FIX CURRY’s play, “Satellite”, is a clever piece in which a highly intelligent and competent scientist is a woman, whom at least one member of her new team has an initial prejudice. This short tells an important lesson: Women can most definitely be technical, intelligent, leaders in the world of science and technology.

ELISABETH GIFFIN SPECKMAN has truly created an original piece of love being blind. In her short piece, the groom has gone to great lengths to solve a temporary problem before their marriage. I loved the uniqueness of this piece. “Love is Blind” will have audiences laughing and clapping to a delightful romantic comedy.

SHEILA COWLEY’s monologue, “Flicker’, is poetic. A quantum physicist expounds on the nature of life, our existence in a random world, and the power we each have within us and all around us. I was moved by this piece. It is so well-done. Bravo!