Recommended by Sam Heyman

What a wonderful ending (beginning?) of the Mrs. Claus Experiment saga! Regardless of where this falls along the timeline outlined by Christopher Soucy's previous entries, this is a delightful, affirming treat for the holiday season (and every season!) May we all be as open minded and sweet as Christmas elves -- (not those Tolkien weirdos!) -- in the coming year.

Are there any among us who wouldn't be tempted to partake in the contents of a vending machine full of pink moscato? Well, maybe. With "Pink Moscato," Daniel Prillaman has crafted an excellent modern adaptation of a Poe classic that is sure to chill audiences whether they're familiar with the source material or not. I appreciated Fortune's genre-savvy turn, though you'll have to read and see how well that savviness serves her...

When I started to get the angle of this play's premise, I couldn't help but laugh out loud at its brilliance. With "I Don't DO Holidays," Daniel Prillaman skewers the compulsory festivity of holiday seasons everywhere, and raises a mirror up to the audience in a compelling, darkly hilarious way. Whether you're a Veruth or a Piotr, there's plenty to love in this bloody good time of a play.

The world of Christopher Soucy's Mrs. Claus-verse continues to expand, this time anticipating some of the most pivotal advances in toy-making, technology and commerce of the past half century! This hilarious romp is exquisitely constructed, revealing the true mastermind behind so many quirks of modern life in a way that engages and escalates humorously as the play progresses. I can't wait for the inevitable holiday play festival that takes this piece on!

The sweetness of Brian, the caustic barbs of Claire, and the 'snow birds' that bring them together all cohere to make "The Unexpected Delight of Snow Birds" a play worth starting a tradition for. The emotions and humor of this piece are so true to life, and I found myself moved to tears while reading. Brava to Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend for this marvelous short play!

Talk about retail therapy! "Live, Laugh, Lobotomize" is a fantastically affirming delight - from the kitschy-with-a-twist signage and merchandise to the well-drawn and charming cast, there's a lot to love about this play from Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn. You'll be making haha sounds from the depths of your squishy human body, and you may even feel seen along the way. I'd love to see this short staged!

Nicholas Pilapil's "Multiple Loads" is at once disarming and devastating. A love story in the truest sense, seeing the end and beginning of a relationship, and creating a complex portrait of two people whose deferred dreams may now bring their love to a close. So many heart-wrenching, beautiful lines in this one - read this play and give it your heart to break!

In this semi-stoner-sonic comedy from David Lipschutz, two best buds bond over the viral stylings of the greatest song writer of this time or any time. With totally radical vernacular, and active use of SFX, this would be a great short for any radio or zoom festival!

In this foul-mouthed, clever sequel (prequel?) to his "Mrs. Claus Experiment," Christopher Soucy continues to develop his personal Christmas-Kris-Kringle mythos with passionate hilarity. Mrs. Claus, though she would prefer you call her Martha, is a savvy, angry business woman, and the numbers might not be in her favor, but audiences surely will! Excellent work.

Homina-homina-homina! What a hilarious holiday comedy from Christopher Soucy. The way Soucy's characters dance around the vocabulary of anatomy and sex is delightful and will have you belly-laughing, with or without a bowl full of jelly. "The Mrs. Claus Experiment" is destined for classic status!