Recommended by Morey Norkin

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    I was not expecting that! A reunion of sorts between high school friends brings out old jealousies and awkwardness and then transitions into something very dark. The idea of digging up a time capsule introduces a layer of intrigue and also innocent fun when the first item retrieved is a popular toy from the late 1990s/early 2000s. But Samantha Oty skillfully ratchets up the tension leading to a stunning conclusion. Time for this one to be back on the boards.

    I was not expecting that! A reunion of sorts between high school friends brings out old jealousies and awkwardness and then transitions into something very dark. The idea of digging up a time capsule introduces a layer of intrigue and also innocent fun when the first item retrieved is a popular toy from the late 1990s/early 2000s. But Samantha Oty skillfully ratchets up the tension leading to a stunning conclusion. Time for this one to be back on the boards.

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    STUCK is an apt title as these two characters are indeed stuck in an elevator. It’s also a metaphor for the challenges they both have faced long after their romantic relationship ended. Ryan has clearly been unable to move on while Jill, rather than moving on, appears to have merely settled. Jon Aylward has given us two engaging characters. The more we learn about them, the more we hope they might have a second chance, or at least become unstuck.

    STUCK is an apt title as these two characters are indeed stuck in an elevator. It’s also a metaphor for the challenges they both have faced long after their romantic relationship ended. Ryan has clearly been unable to move on while Jill, rather than moving on, appears to have merely settled. Jon Aylward has given us two engaging characters. The more we learn about them, the more we hope they might have a second chance, or at least become unstuck.

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    I enjoyed the opening song so much I had to sing it twice before continuing with this laugh- and blood-filled audience participation skit. Horror tropes and puns abound, and it’s all good fun as campers die neatly in their seats. I’ve never had the opportunity to be part of an audience participation performance, but I would kill for the chance to raise a hatchet.

    I enjoyed the opening song so much I had to sing it twice before continuing with this laugh- and blood-filled audience participation skit. Horror tropes and puns abound, and it’s all good fun as campers die neatly in their seats. I’ve never had the opportunity to be part of an audience participation performance, but I would kill for the chance to raise a hatchet.

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    More like a roast than a toast, but a hilarious one to be sure! Chris, the best man, has plenty of barbs for both the groom and bride and several others as well. It’s so easy to picture the happy couple and their guests squirming in their seats. As for theater audiences, it’s easy to picture them doubled over with laughter. Cheers!

    More like a roast than a toast, but a hilarious one to be sure! Chris, the best man, has plenty of barbs for both the groom and bride and several others as well. It’s so easy to picture the happy couple and their guests squirming in their seats. As for theater audiences, it’s easy to picture them doubled over with laughter. Cheers!

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    Inspired by three disparate prompts, this monologue is a scrumptious blend of melancholy and a lust for life. Georgia Xanthopoulou has cooked up something exceptional here.

    Inspired by three disparate prompts, this monologue is a scrumptious blend of melancholy and a lust for life. Georgia Xanthopoulou has cooked up something exceptional here.

  • Morey Norkin: Whale Hater: A New Musical by Christopher Soucy
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    Written within 24 hours of a challenge, nay, a dare, this whale of a tale delivers the goods. A tall tale of the sea unravels in this entertaining and surprisingly moving musical. The songs work well to establish the mood and define characters. I wish I knew the tunes, although I sort of managed to fit the opening number to Gilligan’s Island. Christopher Soucy, I hope you will consider expanding this.

    Written within 24 hours of a challenge, nay, a dare, this whale of a tale delivers the goods. A tall tale of the sea unravels in this entertaining and surprisingly moving musical. The songs work well to establish the mood and define characters. I wish I knew the tunes, although I sort of managed to fit the opening number to Gilligan’s Island. Christopher Soucy, I hope you will consider expanding this.

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  • Morey Norkin: It's the Thought... That Kills! by John Busser
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    An absolutely brilliant noir parody! The inner monologues, a noir staple, are executed to hilarious perfection. How this escaped my attention for so long I’ll never know. Don’t let this get past you.

    An absolutely brilliant noir parody! The inner monologues, a noir staple, are executed to hilarious perfection. How this escaped my attention for so long I’ll never know. Don’t let this get past you.

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  • Morey Norkin: It's a Pun-Derful Life by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
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    The title pretty much tells you everything you need to know. Great puns and funny references to the Christmas film classic. Throw in a lot of opportunities for audience participation and you have a sure fire holiday treat.

    The title pretty much tells you everything you need to know. Great puns and funny references to the Christmas film classic. Throw in a lot of opportunities for audience participation and you have a sure fire holiday treat.

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  • Morey Norkin: Moonlight Over L.A. by Ken Love
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    I’ve said it before, Ken Love’s writing oozes with atmosphere. And that is certainly true for MOONLIGHT OVER L.A. A film noir homage, this play is complete with memorable characters motivated by love, money, and revenge; gritty dialogue; and plenty of plot twists that make the reading breeze by. Someone stage this already!

    I’ve said it before, Ken Love’s writing oozes with atmosphere. And that is certainly true for MOONLIGHT OVER L.A. A film noir homage, this play is complete with memorable characters motivated by love, money, and revenge; gritty dialogue; and plenty of plot twists that make the reading breeze by. Someone stage this already!

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  • Morey Norkin: The Country Squire by Philip Middleton Williams
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    THE COUNTRY SQUIRE is a beautifully wrought tale of family history (two families, actually), entitlement, exclusion, and acceptance. The line between characters who have lived a life of privilege and those who have lived a life of service is often subtle but still apparent, making for a satisfying conclusion. I often feel as though I’m taking a master class when I read a Philip Middleton Williams play. Add this one to the curriculum.

    THE COUNTRY SQUIRE is a beautifully wrought tale of family history (two families, actually), entitlement, exclusion, and acceptance. The line between characters who have lived a life of privilege and those who have lived a life of service is often subtle but still apparent, making for a satisfying conclusion. I often feel as though I’m taking a master class when I read a Philip Middleton Williams play. Add this one to the curriculum.

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