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Joe Swenson

Recommended by Joe Swenson

  • Reckoner by Scott Sickles
    30 Aug. 2023
    “ Scott Sickles writes with such force and raw emotion in this one act that is begging the audience to empathize with the message. What is safe? Where is safe? What happens when there isn't any reprieve or a place that is safe? The sadness that washes over you as Estrella reads her final journal entry with previously gained knowledge as to her outcome. The profound idea that Eladio holds himself and others accountable for their actions and beliefs. It all comes together fast and hurts very deep to create a maximizing effect on your emotions. Thank you for writing this. ”
  • Dee, 20 by Randy Hunt
    30 Aug. 2023
    “ This play captures it all. From the somewhat condescending guarded lifestyle of D&D players to the inclusivity that all D&D players hope for as a new person enters the fold. Bart's infectious energy, Laura and Arthurs dedication to their roles and finally the exuberance of Dee and creativity put this show at the top of my list for plays about RPGs. ”
  • Three Seats by Kevin Cirone
    28 Aug. 2023
    “ Kevin Cirone has written a powerful play that starts off light with plenty of humorous moments. The playwright becomes very calculative as he slowly methodically outlines political control. By the time you think the stereotypical jabs at both sides of the party line will escalate into a blue state/red state battle, you realize you are wrong. Kevin unleashes a powerful monologue followed by forcing controlling power the antagonist. Kevin makes you root for all of the characters and it feels uncomfortable and relatable. Brilliant play. ”
  • Swipe Left, Swipe Right by Brent Alles
    11 Jul. 2023
    “ At the point where you’re understanding each character for who they are, Brent lets you in on the secret. From there, the rise and fall, escalation and de-escalation, the love and the hate all reveal themselves from both characters. Yet throughout this charming piece you find yourself rooting for the ending as it comes to be. Chemistry, familiarity, and a desire to be acknowledged are all hallmarks to a lasting relationship and Brent delivers that and more in this great short play. ”
  • Day Job by Dan Sharrow
    5 Jul. 2023
    “ I had the opportunity to provide feedback for this show. It is fantastic with quick dialogue, creative escalation, and ultimately a fantastic arc to this short play. A truly wonderful script that deserves an audience! ”
  • Elevated Tastes by Josh Gauthier
    5 Jul. 2023
    “ Fantastically creative show from the master of imagination. Josh Gauthier delivers a unique experience in characters and residency as a couple dines 26 km above the earth. A wonderful premise full of wonderful dishes and dialogue. You will not be disappointed by this show. Brilliant. ”
  • Y & Z by Christopher Plumridge
    3 Jul. 2023
    “ Fantastic tension filled play between two characters. While Chris has created the perfect "fear of the unknown" play, he has done it with creativity and imagination. The build is fantastic and part of Chris art, but the finish is what we're all in for and Chris delivers with a flourish. Great play. ”
  • I Have No Words by Christopher Plumridge
    3 Jul. 2023
    “ Sadly 18 months later, this war still wages on. The chronicle of Martha is heart wrenching and raw, beautiful and violent, helpless, hopeless, and inspiring as much as it's harrowing. To imagine someone's life impacted by the wages of war is one thing, but to live it through someone's eyes creates a unique empathy. There is so much of me that hopes that there will be more to this journal and that it doesn't become a memoir instead. Most impressive to me is how authentic Chris is to Martha's voice. Raw, calculative, and as sad as it is, beautiful. ”
  • The Curious Tale of Marston Moore's Untimely Demise by Christopher Plumridge
    3 Jul. 2023
    “ I love how Chris' mind works. Seriously, I can't explain how it works, I just love how it works. There's a touch of predictability in all of this unpredictability and I love it. Stephanie, Lucy, Gary, and Marston all make a wonderful cast of characters. Especially Gary, who I imagine exists in other shows written by Chris. The flow of the show, the escalation, the comedy (both physical and verbal). All of it, this is truly a fantastic show and a wonderful story. I do hope he gets into the heaven that makes him feel the most accepted. BRAVO! ”
  • The Trouble With Unicorns by Josh Gauthier
    3 Jul. 2023
    “ An incredible monologue that cries out to be seen, to be read, to be understood. I love this monologue in so many ways as it's less about the unicorn and more about the stubbornness of humanity and how we'll do the silliest things if it brings hope to a desperate situation. This story of heartbreak and glorification of trivial things over survival is a story of politics and religion wrapped into one desperate tale by a hunter who has encountered a unicorn. The more I think about this play, the more I love its complexity. Highly recommend. ”

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