Recommended by Joe Swenson

So powerful. Seriously. It's so sad that there is literally no time right now that the story of Denny isn't relevant. Reading this after two mass shootings - Walmart in Virginia, LGBTQ+ Club in Colorado Springs just makes it so sad to know that this play, could be done with countless other victims. Elisabeth's story telling is so compelling and at no point does she ever go the obvious which takes just as much courage as it takes to write this show. Beautifully written.

This play has a little bit of everything, from Christmas Best Friends, bits of irony mixed in with some comedy, and sprinkle in some ambiguity and the recipe here are Jenna's Christmas Rules. The conversation feels natural and uncomfortable to the point of laughter and by the time you finish, Jaxson hits you with another rule. Fun read.

There's this thing I pass down to my kids once they stop believing in Santa, that it's their job to be Santa for their younger siblings. Of course, at some point you run out siblings to keep handing this down to. I imagine that's how this family operates, except in this scenario it's through circumstances out of Brett's control that forces him to be Santa. It's heartbreaking, but hopeful at the same time and Jaxson does a wonderful job hitting both sides equally. Well done.

Charles Scott Jones has written a splendid play that questions the limits of reality. I do love plays like this. I also sense that despite the light above surface dialogue a director could take this piece and really drag it through darkest of dark sides. Jones keeps you guessing all the way to the end and ambiguously leaves it up to audience to decide. Excellent!

Damn… Cole takes a seeming benign situation and throws a little tension at it, then a little more tension at it, then a little more tension at it. Then? This incredible playwright hits you with inescapable tension. You were already committed and boom Cole knocks you out with an accusation and a denial that wasn’t going away. Fantastic show Cole!

The incredible depth of this thriller. Hannah Lee DeFrates has built a complicated story that allows you to remain on the surface if you want or you can dive as deep as you’d like into the pathos of each character. The torture and torment behind The Day is brilliantly displayed and the ambiguity behind what October 16th must be like and October 18th is enough to keep you thinking about this show. Some of us can relate stronger to this story and overall it is a must see! Brilliant work!

What an incredible script. It’s hilarious, it has gadgets and gizmos, clowns, and more in this unique take on a common situation, marriage counseling. Randy Hunt does an incredible of building the tension and the humor until you can’t take it anymore. Every character is unique and Randy’s character architecture keeps them unique and well defined. Great show, highly recommend.

John Busser attacks this 10 minute play with a rawness that has you uncomfortable from the outset. While you might know something is missing, John distracts you with quick hard-hitting dialogue. If you don't squirm, tense up, or otherwise involuntarily react to the back-and-forth between father and son, you might not be human. This show does that and more and then... hits you with an incredible twist that you anticipate from the beginning, but forget about it as emotions and tensions continuously shift throughout the short play. Brilliant play John Busser!

Wow. Incredible show and to find out it's the first scene of a full length show, can't wait to read the rest of the show. As a stand-alone, it's brilliant. The relationship between the two siblings, so relatable. I think the thing that really makes this a next level show is how John Busser gets you rooting for both siblings and against both siblings at certain points. There's a real tug-of-war in emotion and especially grief. Beautiful play.

Brilliant! I love that the obviousness of one of the character's name. I love the interaction. I absolutely love the button. It's Brilliant!