Recommended by Morey Norkin

In the words of the Pulitzer presenter within the play, DRIFTWOOD “explore(s) mortality, family, and
reconciliation with extraordinary honesty and artistic grace.” Donald Loftus combines his skillful writing along with his protagonist’s artistic sense as a photographer to present a highly theatrical, moving family portrait. What an amazing opportunity for an ensemble cast and scenic designer. Extraordinary work.

This play surprised me in the best way possible. The tension is high from the get go, and we’re immediately worried about how the poor bank teller, Natty, is going to escape from the vault and the clutches of two bank robbers. Could the play’s title be a clue? I’m not telling. Extremely well done.

Definitely not what I was expecting. Actually, much funnier and even kind of scary. Not a blemish to be found.

Susan Middaugh presents a delicate situation with two partners of dementia patients in different stages of their journey. Both are dealing with behavior from their spouses that would be unacceptable if they were not ill. Middaugh’s characters take us through hurt, anger, and acceptance in a truly moving and heartfelt 10 minutes. The production history is testament to this play’s appeal and authenticity. Keep it going.

As a former technical writer, I truly enjoyed reading this. The familiar setting inside a tech company, especially around the break room, brought back memories of quirky personalities and layoffs. And also had me craving a donut. Lots of laughs and enjoyable characters make this First Day at Work one to remember.

Perhaps there is still hope for our world, even if it comes from out of this world. John Busser has given us a beautiful story of empathy and healing that is desperately needed. It is so easy to visualize this on stage and the emotional impact it will have on audiences. Someone please make it happen.

There is so much unspoken here and yet the dark undercurrent haunting this brief conversation between two sisters is loud and clear. The age difference between the two is enough for one to exert control over the other in sometimes subtle, sometimes overt ways. This one left me with goosebumps.

I would like to believe that this play represents the actual review process Shakespeare went through when evaluating his work if only to confirm that he wasn’t so different from the rest of us. Donald Loftus offers a hilarious critique from the Muses on the latest draft of the play about star-crossed lovers and a few others for good measure. Willie’s frustration is palpable and easily relatable. Probably why this play has such a successful production history. Keep it going!

Lee R. Lawing takes the kind of story that might grab your attention standing in the grocery checkout line, a young girl miraculously sleeps through being tossed from her home by a tornado. But Lawing gives this story a human face as the young girl, now an adult, looks back at what was truly a tragic event. Definitely a great monologue for auditions or performance.

Jennifer O’Grady shows us perfectly why representation matters. In a powerful 10 minutes, we are given a perspective on a beloved classic holiday film that doesn’t focus on a well-known song but rather on a supporting player just trying to be heard. It’s a voice that continues to resonate. This play has gone too long since its last production. I’m hoping that changes.