Recommended by Jack Levine

OSCAR CABRERA has written a fun sci-fi about a genius young scientist and his makeshift robot. This short play shows that robots can have needs and wants. The play, “Blue Marble”, gives us all hope there can be excitement by yourself 254 miles above the planet provided you are a genius and can find the spare parts to build a Robot. And this is a musical to boot!

MAXIMILLIAN GILL tells a tale of a refugee trying to enter a new country. But the “Connector”, which is the title of this play, asks a steep price for the privilege. Is it worth completely changing - in all respects - and losing your identity, heritage, and self, to become a member of a new country? Does the required assimilation hurt or help the country who requires this of the people who will be accepted? A very relevant play.

EYTAN DERAY has written a short play, which has all the ingredients of characters, tension, romance, and intrigue for a longer play. But as a short play, “Impossible Friends (In Progress) pops off the pages and captures and holds your interest throughout. Relationships are hard and complicated. The play ends with a wonderful unexpected twist.

CHRISTINE FOSTER’s “Blind Larks” is a well-written short play of four teachers trapped in a cave. They have little room to move and an unknown amount of air. Their hope is to stay alive until help arrives. All of them do their best to stay calm, yet the tensions grow as their oxygen is depleted. Will the rescuers find them in time? Each person handles their stress in a different way based on their beliefs.

JACQUELYN FLOYD-PRISKORN has created a play with a fascinating plot - a young man Is ready to commit suicide. Then, with the appearance of the Angel of Death, a feeling of hope comes to Andrew. He willing takes the steps towards something - better? “Deeper” challenges our imagination. It is a wonderful play!

JACKIE MARTIN has written a wonderful play about a couple’s lament over the tragic loss of their child. Both are trying to deal with it in their own way. This play will move an audience with its powerful message of neglect, regret, and finally acceptance of the worst tragedy parents could ever have. “Corrections” is a play I would love to watch performed on stage.

SHEILA DUANE’s monologue, “Conferences”, could be the lament of any teacher, who cares about their students and gets no effort from them. I have had moments of shear frustration as an Adjunct Professor, and so this witty monologue ‘hit home’. I recommend any beleaguered teacher read this play. I am confident audiences will love it!

“Is Christmas A Commercial Holiday? An Oral Report By Susi Kirkland” addresses the ‘standard question’ of whether or not we have moved too far away from the religious story of Jesus Christ. LEAH ROTH BARSANTI’s play is hilarious. I laughed out loud throughout my reading of the play. I thought the ending was perfect! Great work! I would love to see this play performed.

E. M. LEWIS’s play, “Dorothy’s Dictionary”, actually brought tears to my eyes. A troubled youth is forced to meet a Librarian in her hospital room and perform community service. He doesn’t want to be there. She loves books, words, and ideas; he has lost his mother and himself. As they get to know one another, a bond develops which helps both of them in different ways. The ending is so sweet, so beautiful, so wonderful. I truly was moved by this extraordinary play.

I highly recommend “Gown”. ROBERT WEIBEZAHL has written a heartwarming play, which will bring a tear to your eye and lump in your throat. A girl’s wedding is one of the most important days to her - but also to her mother. This play is so touching. I was so moved by the ending. The audience will be in tears by the ending! BRAVO!