Recommended by Aly Kantor

I saw a stunning, deeply moving production of this harrowing yet hopeful sci-fi play at Theaterlab. I found the naturalistic, often very funny script a brilliant mechanism for examining the components of human relationships. Is all communication manipulation, and if not, what does it mean to be genuine? I loved how visceral the piece felt, especially the on-stage painting, which gave the story a powerful sense of vitality throughout. A thought-provoking, haunting piece of genre theatre!

This short starts off mundane, slowly but surely luring me into a sense of normalcy and complacency. Turns out I was witnessing a clever magic trick—I came to care so deeply about these characters before I even realized it, filling in details about the minutiae of their lives. And then... BAM! A reversal that re-contextualizes every word of what I just experienced, forcing me to completely retcon my flawed understanding and build it anew. This is a simple sci-fi premise with huge, moving payoff!

One mistake can change your entire life. We all know that... but do we have to accept it?

This character-driven mystery asks fascinating questions about the power of taking action, for better or worse, and how a single decision can resonate. The world of the play is specific, well-realized, and seeped in a strong sense of history. I found the conclusion satisfying and moving. I think this play has the power to open and potentially even change some stubborn minds. Great work here!

Never once has The Ghost of Christmas Past shown me any of THIS... which is a shame because it's SO damned good! The characterization is immaculate and specific, adding depth and dimension to characters I thought I knew. Even so, the script never contradicts the source material. The dialogue is rich and romantic, and the deeply tragic ending is tender and feels very well-earned. In fact, I'd say this "lost prologue" makes the original story richer! This is a truly stunning queer holiday story!

As someone who works in email strategy, this email caused severe psychic damage... and I loved every painfully relatable second of it! I adored this glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at the "spam email factory!" This script is so goofy and imaginative, and the laughs come with every subsequent line of so-awful-it's-wonderful email copy! Fast-moving and perfectly bonkers, I could still see these two characters vividly in my mind! I'm a fan!

There is a core of kindness at the center of this bonkers story of helicopter parents gone too far. It's that kindness that ensures the play's delightfully crafted cringe humor absolutely sings! The play moves quickly—but possibly slower for the audience, who will spend the entire ten minutes trying to catch their breath in between genuine peals of laughter! Just when you think you're done, the phenomenal button hits you with a final boost of endorphins. Read this play if you need a pick-me-up!

This spooky, unexpectedly wholesome, hilarious horror short is a masterclass in spare, effective writing. This is clearly a playwright who trusts her audience to read between the lines and engage with what is left unsaid. It takes a lot of craft skill to create such a short play that is simultaneously terrifying and hilarious, with genuine pathos throughout. Are the demons in Tay's body, or are they merely in Rory's head? Both the horror and humor sneak up on you. What a fantastic, creepy ride!

What a delightfully quirky meeting between two lost souls—literally and figuratively! This funny, tender, and succinct comedy takes the audience on a journey of identity toward a surprising but inevitable conclusion. Throughout, there are plenty of opportunities for physical comedy and on-stage shenanigans! I adore poor Trevor, and his unexpected friendship and bittersweet conclusion were memorable and sweet. This silly short would balance out the more horrific offerings at a spooky festival!

Rich in atmosphere, history, and imagination, this haunting, high-stakes supernatural tale had me leaning forward from page one. I love the way the playwright deftly plays with power, shifting it from one character to another with masterful skill. Best of all, this play is spine-chillingly creepy without the need for any particular special effects. The magic and terror live in the minds of the audience. This left me desperate to learn what happens next, which is the sign of a fantastic short!

This play sets up a dark, compelling mystery, but along the way, introduces us to a warm, quirky family full of unique, specific characters who I loved getting to know. I'm impressed by the way this play moves through time and how the past so seamlessly seeps into the present, often literally, as old ghosts manifest, leading to the darkest of events. Anyone living with guilt and regrets can relate. While heartbreaking, I won't forget the stunning final reunion—what a phenomenal final image!