Recommended by Morey Norkin

An absolutely lovely retelling of the story of the Book of Ruth. John Mabey combines both the physical elements of the staging and his lyrical dialogue to bring a great feeling of understanding and hope for these two women. Stunning!

Alyssa Haddad-Chin presents an entertaining, often humorous, and certainly thought-provoking look at post-9/11 America through the eyes of an Arab-American teen who just wants to fit in with her white friends. As she and her girlfriends host a sparsely attended house party, derogatory remarks from her peers come across as maybe just drunken nonsense or poor attempts at humor. But eventually true feelings of suspicion, however unwarranted, are revealed. We have a dark history of using a particular event to condemn entire nationalities and suddenly casting suspicion on neighbors and friends. This play shines an important light.

Witty, sarcastic, and on point monologue about that recurring holiday money maker that theaters just can’t let go. Why of course it’s Equus! The premise is funny enough, but Paul Donnelly’s writing mines it for more laughs than you can imagine. I don’t know know how any theater company could resist this!

The Bear returns for a 7th episode! This time we see that beneath his fuzzy exterior lies the heart of an old softy as the Bear come nose to nose with a charming, legendary canine. A sweet story and fitting tribute.

What a chilling ghost story with a real Twilight Zoney feel to it! Best read (or better yet, seen) with limited knowledge to get the full effect. HELLO? It’s you it’s waiting for!

Neighbor Steve clearly never heard of the Welcome Wagon! Debra Cole’s clever comedy manages to skewer neighborhood politics, male privilege, and business etiquette all in under 10 minutes! A fun two-hander that will have you cheering a busy mom of twin toddlers!

Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn combines her unique sense of humor (butt munch!) with her ability to tug at your heartstrings. Here she has created an inspired tale of three demons, capable of nothing more than grade school practical jokes, who meet a human mourning a terrible loss. As this play humorously and wisely teaches us, confronting your demons, even goofy ones, can lead you out of the darkness. This would be a delight to see on stage.

A very recognizable slice of family life where the mother is expected to be everything from lost and found department, to chauffeur, to enforcer. All with little appreciation. The comedy is in how all too common this is and how this particular mom manages to cope. A treat for the whole family that hopefully results in moms getting at least a thank you.

Christopher Plumridge has created a powerful and uncomfortably realistic portrait of life on the street for a homeless man. Here we have a heartbreaking story of an individual, which sadly reminds us that there are so many stories we will never hear. Let this story continue to remind us until there is no longer a need.

I was not prepared for this. And that really is the point. A simple game of catch between a father and son. The easy banter goes back and forth just like the soft tosses of the game. And then the unexpected. I’m still trying to catch my breath. Another outstanding piece from Deb Cole!