Recommended by Jack Levine

SCOTT SICKLES’s play has no dialogue, but it speaks volumes to the inner turmoil we can feel over the loss of our parents. The strong emotions of grief, love, loss, and healing are displayed through well devised stage movement, expressions, and opera. “The Man In 119” is strong, poignant, meaningful, and heartwarming play.

DC CATHRO’s one minute play is a ‘narrative’ of what a couple may be thinking as they are intimate. “Saying It”, the three words some want to say and some want to hear - but not everybody - can be an awkward and embarrassing moment or an exciting and romantic moment. We cannot know for sure what will happen until it is said or not said.

MARK HARVEY LEVINE is a master of creative genius with this one-minute play. We know of people - hopefully not us - who find it near impossible to speak a sentence without “That Word”. This short piece shows what could happen. I loved this piece!

PHILIP MIDDLETON WILLAMS gives us a ‘whiff’ of what two dogs have to say to one another when they casually meet at the dog park. “Gee Your Butt Smells Terrific” is a witty one-minute play, which I recommend to all, including any dogs that can read. Philip Middleton Williams never disappoints with his creative pieces.

JOHN MABEY is an exceptional playwright, who has written a really fun and witty one-minute play, “failing at a 1-page play festival”. I had a big laugh out loud moment, when I read the last line of dialogue. Pull up a chair and read this short play. You will love it!

STEVEN G. MARTIN’s play is about a 30-year-old woman, who has been emotionally abused by her parents for years and has finally found the moment, opportunity, and courage to step out of the shadow her life has been. “O.B.O.” is a play with an important point to make: parents owe each of their children love, respect, and support. This is a play for young and old alike.

HAYLEY ST. JAMES writes a charming play of the anxiety and hope of Lauren as she tries to get dressed in the perfect outfit for her Zoom date. “Pep Talk - A Monologue” captures the unease we can all feel when we want to impress our date but lack the total confidence in ourselves.

ROBIN RICE has a wonderful way of expressing the different emotions as a relationship starts, grows, and ends. Lights of different colors, ‘drawing’ different shapes, and showing brightness and then low energy (e.g., disappointment, rejection) tell the tale. “Somewhere Dark (No Dialogue)” is a fascinating play, which will have audiences talking about it long after leaving the theater.

PHILIP MIDDLETON WILLIAMS’ play reminded me of when I visited my father’s gravesite and spoke with him, as if he were really listening and talking back. The connection between a father and his son can be strong and enduring. “I‘ll Be Here” is a sweet play of the love, understanding, forgiveness, and gratitude we can feel from the bond of a parent and child, even after the parent has died. Bravo!

ROSS TEDFORD KENDALL has written a most satisfying play where an egotistical professor gets taught a lesson by a young admin assistant. “Principles of Logic” will delight college students as well as any other person, who has had to deal with someone like this overbearing professor. Well done!