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Joe Swenson

Recommended by Joe Swenson

  • Silent Vows by Christopher Plumridge
    4 Jan. 2022
    “ The genius of Christopher Plumridge strikes again in this well conceived, beautiful play. He has managed to fully develop two characters that do not require dialogue to speak. It's comedic, it's touching, it's refreshing, and it's romantic. It's truly and remarkably beautiful. Christopher has outdone himself with this triumph. In fact, I read it twice just to ensure that I was able to soak in all of the imagery that Christopher provides through stage directions. Bravo! ”
  • Chai by DC Cathro
    4 Jan. 2022
    “ A fantastic play from beginning to end. From the opening few pages, DC Cathro establishes a want in the audience (A new name), but then gives a master class on anticipation/tension, ripple effect, raw emotion, etc. I had a lot of favorite moments in this show, but the one that stood out above the rest (I don't want to ruin it) is the conundrum presented in motivations for naming a child vs. the child's perspective. It's genius. It's metaphorical. In the end it's a beautiful story with a wonderful EPILOGUE full of anticipation and an appropriate ending. ”
  • The Resurrectionists by Robert J. LeBlanc
    3 Jan. 2022
    “ The brilliance of this short play is in the dialogue that Bob creates through the characters rationalization of their soon-to-be change in occupation. The development of the two main characters is incredible in such a short piece and you find yourself rooting for them despite what their next actions are going to be. I've read this play a few times and each time I find new places to laugh and cringe. Excellent work! ”
  • The Baddest Kid on Emerson by Steven G. Martin
    3 Jan. 2022
    “ What a fantastic read! The speed of the dialogue coupled with the over amplified perception of two teenagers regarding the legend they are about to meet. The dialogue image fits the characters so well. Steven pushes these characters so hard that its uncomfortable and full of tension. The dialogue is so strong and so convincing that you have no choice but to read it and say it as intended and that adds more tension to an already tense situation. Incredible work Steve! ”
  • Abandonment [a 1-minute play] by Steven G. Martin
    3 Jan. 2022
    “ From the moment you start reading this, you realize that there is a lot at stake. Steven does a wonderful job of infusing confusion into the human element. In a relatively short period of time, Steven takes you on a journey of Godliness into abandonment and gives Hugh a layered complexity that you rarely see in 1 minute pieces. Outstanding job! ”
  • The Marine Cardinal by Tom David Barna
    2 Jan. 2022
    “ Wow! What a ride. I didn’t know what to expect and while much of the first act felt familiar as a Marine Corps veteran, it was the second act that was unexpected. Tom does an incredible keeping and holding the tension surrounding the voting process in 2nd Act. I couldn’t stop reading. As an actor this would be a lot of fun, especially with Andy’s monologue towards the end. This is a must read/see and a hopeful view amid the forced outing of Andy. Outstanding work! ”
  • A BUMP IN THE NIGHT ( a ten minute mystery) by Marj O'Neill-Butler
    30 Dec. 2021
    “ What a fun ride this short play is. The best part about it, is you don't know if you are getting the full story at any point in the play which adds to the tension. In short plays it's hard to fully develop your characters, but Marj does an amazing job of creating two very distinguishable characters and building up the 3rd supporting character as the play progresses. Then there's the house and the ambiguity that lies within. Highly recommend this piece of art. ”
  • Occupied by Aly Kantor
    30 Dec. 2021
    “ "Occupied" is the most brilliant play I've read this year. Conceptually brilliant, artistically brilliant, purposefully brilliant. " I think you know it’s love when it stops feeling like love and it just feels like life" might be the most important quote to understanding love that I've ever read. I want to give away so much of the story, but the only word that continues to come out is BRILLIANT. The relationship(s), the dialogue, and the poem. The poem that will sit with me for a long time. This play is incredible. I'd pay top dollar to see it live! ”
  • CHARADES by Vivian Lermond
    29 Dec. 2021
    “ Fabulous. I wanted to play along and Vivian's Charades doesn't disappoint, all the way up to the end. The genius of it all is that we all know a Pat and a Bill and Vivian establishes all of that in less than one minute. Incredible. ”
  • THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE by Nora Louise Syran
    29 Dec. 2021
    “ What an amazing concept and you get to walk away with so much knowledge. The Twelve Days of Christmas is delightful, and can be read separately or as a collaboration. Nora paints these beautiful pictures with layers of rich cultural awareness. Each vignette stands out on it's own, but they also lend the magic that Nora creates through the lens of each of her characters. I'd love to see this show on a stage, its brilliant. ”

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