Recommended by Morey Norkin

Why, why, why, Delilah?! Just because she was impressed with his hair or was she working with those Philistine scoundrels? We may never know, but what we do know is that Ken Love has given us an interesting update of a biblical story and a monologue for any actor able to live up to the name, Samson.

Life is about the choices we make. And in this remarkable drama, Wendy Vogel explores the choices of three men that have repercussions that they, and certainly the audience, could not have imagined. Highly theatrical and chock full of monologues for actors to sink their teeth into, this play and the stories it tells are absolutely riveting. Theaters also make choices. And they should be choosing to produce this play.

What a delight! Set in the Scottish highlands with a pair of spritely Bryndals, this charming fairytale will have you smiling from start to finish. I couldn’t help reading this with my best (which is terrible) Scottish accent. I’m delighted to see that this play will have a production next year. It’s deserving of many more.

This is definitely a tale for our time. And I mean right now. Dealing with post-election fatigue, frustration, and fear, we now have to face the reality that half the US population would gladly lick a frog if their “trusted” sources told them to. Darrin Friedman has created a bizarre yet insightful piece with engaging characters. And if this odd mix can get along, maybe there’s hope for the rest of us.

History isn’t always what it seems to be. It’s Thanksgiving, and for Poppy, baking is a passion, or maybe an obsession. Poppy is an immigrant with a backstory she is reluctant to share with her inquisitive friend, Olive. The banter between these two is often amusing, but it’s what lies beneath the surface that makes this short work so intriguing. Add this one to your holiday list.

Well that was interesting! Sara comes home late after a night out with “the girls,” and Nick has his doubts. Chris Plumridge has created a nifty little two-hander with a surprising twist that screams “more, please!” Hopefully he will oblige.

What a lovely journey it is. As we follow the Gallo family over decades we see characters grow, some sadly depart, others join, and we share some laughs and tears. It could be the story of anyone’s family, which makes it so relatable and so moving. Excellent choice for the holidays or any other time of the year.

DC Cathro offers an intense look at a struggling young couple at a crossroads. Gina, who is the breadwinner of the two, has what could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Her partner, Buck, protecting his male ego, isn’t having it. Both seem determined to have it their way. I’m rooting for Gina and I desperately want to know what happens next!

In this thriller, Swenson takes the concept of “you can’t go home again” to a whole new level. The idea of astronauts on a return voyage from Mars sending and receiving messages from home is deceptively simple. You can’t help but let your imagination run wild as things deteriorate. Swenson provides the text of the unspoken communication that we wouldn’t hear in an actual production, such as the terrific version currently available from his Broken Arts Entertainment podcast. Whether you listen first (recommended) or read, you’re in for a thrilling adventure.

If Christopher Plumridge had written the Bible… God help us! In this hysterical version of the great flood, we have Samuel, a procrastinating Noah wannabe, shown in one hilarious scene after another. How this comes to life on stage is anybody’s guess, but I would sure as heck love to see it!