Recommended by Jack Levine

There is a vulnerability in the sexual act. In “Roots Deep, Trunk Wide (Bascom & Isacc #2”, we are exposed (pun intended) to the questions of adequacy or lack thereof. We can be most susceptible to criticism, judgment, but at the same time, we can experience a closeness, bonding. I think this play has a lot to offer. It’s definitely a strong play and worthy of being performed.

There needs to be a heroic effort for an alcoholic to recover. Yet, the work to return successfully to society is perhaps more difficult. “The Sober House For Men” by Susan Middaugh is a testament to the hurdles a former alcoholic might experience. I recommend this play be read and performed.

ALY KANTER takes us back to the autumn of 1920. We are in the Mary Todd Hotel for Professional Women. Four women are into spiritualism and seances on each Tuesday night. But, as the play enfolds, we begin to better understand what is really going on. “The Care And Feeding Of Restless Spirits” is at its core an awakening of the quest of women to be recognized, empowered, and heard. I truly loved the characters. I highly recommend this play.

ASHER WYNDHAM’s monologue, “Sally Hopkins, Soccer Mom: A Monologue”, takes on the harsh viewpoint of “illegal aliens” of the Republican Party. Should we be empathetic towards non-citizens? Are they a burden to our society? The ‘regimentation’ of a youth soccer team to line up straight to get snacks is a way to control: Maintain Good Order. But, is this just the beginnings of wanting to control the way we think, speak, act? This monologue is witty and still makes strong points to be considered.

RACHAEL CARNES in her monologue, “The Splendid Gift”, captures the intensity, familiarity, and endearing feelings about the loss of someone with whom you care deeply about. We must be willing to grieve, to understand what has been so dear to us, and recognize the harshness that can surface in a society with too much violence. You will find this monologue to be deeply moving.

MAGGIE SMITH’s full-length play, “Saint Louise, Pray For Us”, is one of the best plays I have read on New Play Exchange. The story is one of sisters trying to cope with the loss of their younger sister. I was so moved by this play. Each character was so real in my mind’s eye. The plot has twists and turns, surprise reveals, and is totally captivating. I highly recommend this play be read and produced. I would absolutely want to be in the audience. MAGNIFICENT!!!

RICH HELMS and co-author DORTHEA HELMS have written a wonderful ten-minute play. It’s so true that we can live in the past to some extent by holding onto objects which remind us of where we were, what we did, how we felt. In “Recycled Revelations’. We also realize our memories are often quite different that what someone else thinks happened.

I’ve been to many Christmas parties. I even hosted one. Never, ever was any of these Christmas parties anywhere, anyway, like “Holiday Office Party For The Self-Employed”. CHRISTOPHER SOUCY has written a very funny ten-minute play. You’ll love reading this gem.

MIKE BYHAM’s short play, “First Date, 2099”, is a romantic comedy about what dating might be like in 2099. I am very glad to have met, dated, and eventually married my wife of fifty-two years, the ‘old fashion’ way. But, let’s face it, online dating is used a lot now and will probably be used almost exclusively in the future. I enjoyed reading this satire of the future.

RAND HIGBEE’s play, “RICE, SAM”, is a historical comedy. Did Sam Rice make the ‘famous catch’ in the 1925 World Series? It certainly matters to baseball enthusiasts. I won’t reveal the ‘twist’ or ‘conclusion’, but this play was fun to read.