Recommended by Jack Levine

JOHN BUSSER never fails to write wonderful plays. In “Erstwhile”, John Busser suggests you might not like his play if you didn’t participate in Playwrights Thriving. Well, I didn’t participate, but oh my, I had almost nonstop laughing out loud from beginning to end of his play. I loved “Erstwhile”! By the way, you can do this on zoom.

RACHEL LYNETT’s ten-minute play,”Choosing You”, is interesting, as it is about choices we make in our life. At the time we make a choice, it may seem ‘so right’, but later, we may regret our earlier decision. Audiences will talk about what this play meant to them, asking: Did I make the right choice?

“Three’s A Crowd…But It’s Family”, by SAMANTHA OTY, is well-written. Three brothers meet, almost as if it’s their first time after the death of their father. All of them had been hurt by a father, who was incapable of parenting, yet he had a strong need to want his boys to bond together. In their grief, true feelings are spoken, past actions are better understood, and the bond of blood is tested. The impact of an absent and emotionally detached father can be overwhelming to the offspring.

NIKKI BRAKE-SILLA’s full-length play, “Invisi(bility), is powerful, engrossing, and a must-read. There is so much to this play. It can open eyes to the plight of Blacks in America. As an eighty-something year old white male, I couldn’t possibly fully comprehend what it must be like to be Black. I’ve heard of extreme prejudice in housing, education, employment, but frankly, this play had me truly sad, angry, embarrassed. We need to support each other and treat each other as equals. EXCELLENT!!!

Perhaps, the strangest thing about humans is we often yearn for things we think we want, when in reality, it may be just the opposite of what we need, want or hope for. “At The Threshold”, by GEORGIA XANTHOPOULOU, is superbly written. I found myself to be totally engrossed from beginning to end. I recommend this play be read and produced. It is likely to be an audience favorite.

In a word, uplifting. It was inspirational. “To God Be The Glory”, by MONICA CROSS, has written a beautiful faith-based story of healing, gratitude, devotion, all things worthy of giving to ourselves, and all those who believe in the righteousness of our Lord. For those who may not always be grateful or satisfied, Fanny Crosby stands as a pillar of strength. In her blindness, she can see us as we really are. I so wish everyone would read this play. It is so well written.

So sweet. So endearing. You will just love EMMA PALZERE-RAE’s “Carole’s Christmas”. This gem will be a holiday favorite, or at least, I think it should be. We are all going to die. The emotions of the one nearing the end of their life can be anger, sadness, depression, all negative feelings. But, what-if, we accept what is happening and live the last few weeks of our life in the best way possible? I was so moved by this play. I wish it is read and produced, many times, any time of year. BRAVO!

“Night Shift Happens”, by ANASTASIA WILD, is a wonderful depiction of what a ‘normal’ night shift for a nurse might be. We need those in heath care to be there, always alert, professional and competent. Our thoughts are on what is happening to the person with the medical condition, ourselves or a loved one. We may not appreciate the stresses experienced by nurses, both at work and home. I found this play to be extremely interesting, well-written, and eye-opening. Good job, Anastasia!

There is no doubt that dating is an act of survival, whether online or in person. In this delightful play, we watch and listen to three distinctly different personalities navigate “The Art of…Dating”, the title of this play by ANASTASIA WILD. Most of us don’t want to be alone, but we also don’t want to give up our freedom of choice. With a flaire for witty dialogue, Anastasia Wild shows us that you better be ready for ‘combat’ as you search for Mr. Right. I recommend this gem be performed.

I enjoyed reading this ‘loosely based’ true story. In IYNA CARUSO’s “Mummy Brown”, the brilliant painter puts his morals, ethics, and sensibilities into his art. His painting is like a part of him. In the end, the artist asks: What is his painting worth? Is the painting’s price based on its demand or something else? I recommend this ten-minute play.