Recommended by Morey Norkin

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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.

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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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    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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    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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    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!

  • 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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  • Morey Norkin: An Infinite Number of Monkeys by Dan West
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    Is AI going to replace human creativity? Or is the real threat from… monkeys?! Dan West’s brilliant satire takes a hilarious look at the future of writing and publishing when the human element is removed. So many laugh-out-loud moments and skewering of the publishing industry. One thing is certain, neither AI nor any number of monkeys could have come up with such a clever one-act.

    Is AI going to replace human creativity? Or is the real threat from… monkeys?! Dan West’s brilliant satire takes a hilarious look at the future of writing and publishing when the human element is removed. So many laugh-out-loud moments and skewering of the publishing industry. One thing is certain, neither AI nor any number of monkeys could have come up with such a clever one-act.

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  • Morey Norkin: BY THE MOONLIGHT - A One Minute Monologue by Julie Brandon
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    That was certainly a chilling minute, and with a nifty twist. What also struck me is that this monologue can be approached at least a couple of different ways. We can take it on face value, which is creepy enough. Or we can assume the character is an unreliable narrator, perhaps paranoid, giving it a Poe-like feeling. Quite an accomplishment in a minute.

    That was certainly a chilling minute, and with a nifty twist. What also struck me is that this monologue can be approached at least a couple of different ways. We can take it on face value, which is creepy enough. Or we can assume the character is an unreliable narrator, perhaps paranoid, giving it a Poe-like feeling. Quite an accomplishment in a minute.

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  • Morey Norkin: Bees by Aly Kantor
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    Change happens gradually until you get to the point where you wonder, how did this happen? In BEES, Aly Kantor explores changes in relationships and the environment that happen over time until nothing can be done. Both grandmother and granddaughter experienced losses that they couldn’t anticipate, just as the climate has changed and resulted in untold losses. But all is not lost. The understanding reached between the two characters provides a ray of hope. If we pay attention, maybe we can change things for the better. Beautifully written with humor and tenderness.

    Change happens gradually until you get to the point where you wonder, how did this happen? In BEES, Aly Kantor explores changes in relationships and the environment that happen over time until nothing can be done. Both grandmother and granddaughter experienced losses that they couldn’t anticipate, just as the climate has changed and resulted in untold losses. But all is not lost. The understanding reached between the two characters provides a ray of hope. If we pay attention, maybe we can change things for the better. Beautifully written with humor and tenderness.

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  • Morey Norkin: The Voice (monologue) by Jennifer O'Grady
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    What a frightening monologue. It’s not uncommon to hear someone talk about the voices in their head, but to actually hear firsthand from such a voice is a new and chilling perspective. No matter what that voice might tell us to do, we are ultimately responsible for our actions. This monologue presents a challenge to an actor to present a balanced portrayal of malicious intent and plausible deniability. Great piece for auditions and performance.

    What a frightening monologue. It’s not uncommon to hear someone talk about the voices in their head, but to actually hear firsthand from such a voice is a new and chilling perspective. No matter what that voice might tell us to do, we are ultimately responsible for our actions. This monologue presents a challenge to an actor to present a balanced portrayal of malicious intent and plausible deniability. Great piece for auditions and performance.

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