Recommended by Joe Swenson

Scott Sickles write And This is My Assistant Beaker with so much detail, so much context. There are so many layers to what seems like a simple sexual act. As you peel the layers back, just as you think you understand it, Sickles as different, unexpected layers. That is the brilliance of these play. Despite the surprise turns that the play takes, Scott Sickles writes this piece with an authenticity that brings you intimately into the relationship between Beau and Zeke. Fantastic art!

What an interesting and compelling little play. Of course with the size of it and Nora's skills as a playwright, I want more, expect more. As it stands though, it's a quick ride through so many different emotions. The art of "no" the angst of someone who is over insistent and continues to work through the "no" even if it's through a door. This play sits in that pocket and the poof! The play becomes invisible! Awesome work Nora!

Bob LeBlanc is one of the most fascinating playwrights I know. His devotion to all of his artistic endeavors is truly remarkable. The Naughty List is one of his best works, in my opinion. The premise, the incredible word play, the immaculately built characters, the strategic plot, all from the moment the play starts until it ends. It literally leaves you in awe with a "what just happened" kind of feel for it. In fact, I might be in the minority, but I want to see more, I want to see this as a full production. Either way it's brilliant!

Rachel Feeny-Williams has written a wonderful comedy in The Right to Write. The set-up is brilliant, but the battle between Sophie and Mark with Marnie sprinkled in to poke the novelist is absolutely worth the price of admission. What a fun play to stage too, especially with the recurring provoker. As a playwright and novelist, I found it amusing, steeped in tension, and really fantastic. I would love to see the flare that Sophie puts into her new-found inspiration as well. Excellent piece of art Rachel!

Christopher Plumridge has written a wonderfully woven mystery. We don't know how these two got there, we don't know how it will end up (thought it's implied). We do not that there are moments where you are going to laugh and then immediately feel guilty for laughing. A testament to the tension that Plumridge has put into this fast paced and very loud show. There's also a lot of flexibility with the characters, which can add to the humor, the mystery, or the tension. Bravo, splendid show.

This is one of the most brilliant, well-crafted monologue driven plays you might ever come across. The dimensions that Randy gives these two fantastically built characters. At first it's hard to imagine how the show will connect, but that's part of the architecture of this unique play. Randy Hunt has built a reputation, in my opinion, as one of the best two-person short play playwrights and this piece shows Hunt's brilliance. Love this show, love the video as well!

What a fabulous play by the dialogue master Rachel Feeny-Williams! Rachel does an amazing job of pushing the envelope between Louise & Kate and yet it feels like every day conversation poolside. “Just because I made my purchase doesn’t mean I can’t see what’s on the shelves.” A new favorite line. Brilliant!

To a degree Ellis Island Ahead reminded me of the musical Tintypes. Nora Louise Syran is the master of mid-size ensemble pieces and this educational/entertaining should be a hit! High energy quick paced dialogue juxtaposed against an ensemble that was equal parts chorus/story tellers. Fun, important, and clever. Well done!

Scott Sickles brilliantly crafted Guten Tag, Baby is a must read. Three generations of women embark on an incredible journey with a singular purpose it would seem. The story starts out familiar to an extent, but becomes as unpredictable as Eleanor's mind. It's brilliant and feels real. Amazing show Scott! Needs an audience.

From the outset of this play, you are hooked. The architecture of this play is outstanding. Purpose driven monologues that drive the content exactly where it needs to go. The tension, the incredible characters, there is so much in this play. This play deserves an audience, it's beautiful.