Recommended by Judy Klass

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    I did not know about this moment in history. I knew of the playwright Karel Capek who sometimes wrote science fiction and gave us the word "robot" in RUR. I knew that for a leader to be called a "Quisling" is not a compliment. But one gets to hear Quisling selling out his country in Syran's play, and the play within the play by Capek is compelling, especially as fiction and reality blend. Syran packs a lot of power into this short piece.

    I did not know about this moment in history. I knew of the playwright Karel Capek who sometimes wrote science fiction and gave us the word "robot" in RUR. I knew that for a leader to be called a "Quisling" is not a compliment. But one gets to hear Quisling selling out his country in Syran's play, and the play within the play by Capek is compelling, especially as fiction and reality blend. Syran packs a lot of power into this short piece.

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    This is a fun take on a day in the life of great writer and his love, as he wrestles with plotting the first detective story.

    This is a fun take on a day in the life of great writer and his love, as he wrestles with plotting the first detective story.

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    This is an amusing rendering of the original story, and the man facing death here is presented as so obnoxious, the audience will be psyched about his lurid end.

    This is an amusing rendering of the original story, and the man facing death here is presented as so obnoxious, the audience will be psyched about his lurid end.

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    In terms of tone, this play reminds me of the original version of the film Miracle on 34th Street, in that the tough-talking modern cynicism of the characters helps to mitigate and earn the sweet and sentimental aspects of this holiday story -- but those warm, lovely aspects of the story leave the most lasting impression. Having shows within the show makes it feel meta, gently satirizes small-town theater and allows for a fresh story with echoes of a holiday classic.

    In terms of tone, this play reminds me of the original version of the film Miracle on 34th Street, in that the tough-talking modern cynicism of the characters helps to mitigate and earn the sweet and sentimental aspects of this holiday story -- but those warm, lovely aspects of the story leave the most lasting impression. Having shows within the show makes it feel meta, gently satirizes small-town theater and allows for a fresh story with echoes of a holiday classic.

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    I read this, the first play in the series, after reading the second one. In both, Sam Heyman captures what it feels like/felt like for any reader/audience member to be a college student, and the dialogue and reactions are natural and intuitive. In this play -- which deals with the sometimes-scary world of guy interactions -- the stakes are higher, and there is more tension and risk. This play exemplifies how the personal and political can be intertwined in a good drama -- that also contains a touch of humor.

    I read this, the first play in the series, after reading the second one. In both, Sam Heyman captures what it feels like/felt like for any reader/audience member to be a college student, and the dialogue and reactions are natural and intuitive. In this play -- which deals with the sometimes-scary world of guy interactions -- the stakes are higher, and there is more tension and risk. This play exemplifies how the personal and political can be intertwined in a good drama -- that also contains a touch of humor.

  • Judy Klass: All-Nighter (Tales From The Hill #2) by Sam Heyman
    “

    This play is funny and appealing, with the feel of a real conversation between college students, and a strong sense of the friendship between the characters.

    This play is funny and appealing, with the feel of a real conversation between college students, and a strong sense of the friendship between the characters.

    ”
  • Judy Klass: Two Yards of Satan by Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos
    “

    "This play is a lot of fun!"

    "This play is a lot of fun!"

    ”