Recommended by Morey Norkin

Lang presents an intense and realistic drama of a Black family living in the Deep South in the years immediately after WWII. As a forbidden relationship is pursued, family relations are put to the test. With rich characterizations and a fast-paced plot, A Lovers’ Quarrel successfully combines thrilling theatrics with a stark look at a shameful era. Well done!

Teleporting appears to be a common superpower. We all know someone who possesses it. That person you can always count on, who takes on more tasks than humanly possible, who seems to be everywhere all at once. And even with this power, sometimes they need a break. Anastasia Wild has paid a wonderful tribute to these people with an energetic, sympathetic, relatable monologue. A great audition and performance piece.

It doesn’t surprise me that a collection of books would be at the heart of a shared remembrance between father and son as told by Philip Middleton Williams. Just read any of his works and the love of reading shines through. Writing like this doesn’t happen by accident. A beautiful story that in other hands could easily become cliche, instead is comforting and fresh. A pleasure to read.

Well, this explains a lot! I would certainly like to believe there is an unseen council causing me to misplace items rather than my own absentmindedness. This is so relatable that audiences will absolutely smile throughout. I know I did!

A failing empire and the struggle for a new state collide in a small room where secrets are kept. As a murderous plot with international and historical implications is slowly revealed, the tension steadily mounts. Julia Pascal has taken on a challenging topic and has more than met the challenge with gritty dialogue and all too human characters. This one is guaranteed to spark debate, but hopefully in a civilized and constructive manner.

Jessica Feder-Birnbaum takes a fascinating look at Jewish Orthodox tradition and generational change. Change, if it happens at all, may only come in small increments. Feder-Birnbaum does a terrific job of presenting the discussion not only in generational terms, but in terms of gender roles. A great short piece with three strong roles.

Breezy and airy as you might expect along the Maine shoreline. Vivian Lermond’s wordplay is absolutely delightful and makes these characters so appealing. It’s nice to find a story that shows new beginnings are possible even for the over 50 set. A pleasure to read and also a treat to listen to on the Broken Arts Entertainment podcast: https://youtu.be/p0LJFHjYMAI?si=8iPKqORQ4wIMf5si

I wish I had thought of this! Brilliant idea. Great setup. Perfect punchline. That’s how you deliver a joke and a perfect one-minute play!

Chris Plumridge has a talent for creating imperfect characters who are completely relatable. Sophie is a perfect example. Plumridge makes great use of an unseen children’s party and a very visible bottle of wine to bring Sophie to life with a blend of humor and pathos on perhaps not one of her best days. Actresses will have a blast with this.

Apparently this play has been around in some form for at least nine years. And yet reading it now, I find the conflicting views between Israelis and Palestinians and among American Jews are as stark as ever. Emma Goldman-Sherman bravely takes on these issues in an intelligent, thoughtful manner in this heartbreaking story. I say bravely because those with entrenched opinions on either side are likely to react strongly. All the more reason for this to be widely read and performed to spark discussion. Well done!