Recommended by Morey Norkin

Will they or won’t they? This tender story of words unspoken and opportunities missed will have you shaking whatever device you are reading with and screaming “wake up, you two!” I feel better now. And you will too once you read ALL IS CALM.

In a brief 10 minutes, DC Cathro delivers a truly moving story of two divorced parents and their six-year-old child and the difficulties coping with the split they each face. The initial image is frightening, and although reason eventually wins out over emotion, there is a sense that the road ahead for these three will not be smooth. A very different kind of holiday story, but an authentic one worthy of inclusion in any holiday themed festival or any time of year.

Brilliant premise brought to hysterically funny fruition. A wonderful Christmas treat for the Shakespeare lovers among us. I feel certain the Bard would approve.

This one packs quite a punch. At first we are witnessing a devoted daughter using humor as a shield as she tends to her comatose father. But as her monologue continues, POW, we learn the true nature of her devotion. Powerful work and a great showcase for an actor to demonstrate their range.

Paddy goes bonkers! A great setup with a bit of the blarney and the payoff is perfection! I can see this being performed at pubs around the world. Make it so!

This play deals with a sensitive political/ethical topic that has been cause for speculation regarding some historical figures. But bringing it into the present day makes it more troubling. Fortunately, James Perry, through his character of the Agent, brings a voice of reason generously seasoned with no-holds-barred candor. I would expect vigorous debate following any production.

Nothing says Christmas like mummy and Santa kissing under the mistletoe. Except when Santa isn’t daddy. A very funny short piece that hopefully won’t be banned in Boston like the song it is based on was in 1952.

Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this is a deeply moving tale of a ghost from Christmas past whose annual visit leaves her grieving son unable to move on. The repetition of the visit over the course of 18 years is a clever device, and works brilliantly as evidenced in an excellent audio production by Ruby Sky Productions. I highly recommend giving it a read and a listen.

With warmth and humor, Don Baker has crafted a very touching 3-minute work that helps close a gap between siblings. Both characters, and even their unseen mother and the titular bird, are fully rendered. An absolute joy to read as it would be to see performed.

How am I only now discovering this comic artifact from the John Busser hysterical collection?! The comic duo of Makalanii and Ebo are worthy of comparison to the other greats like Laurel and Hardy, Abbot and Costello, or Flintstone and Rubble. “…I only read the cartouche page and sports.” Genius!