Recommended by Morey Norkin

This may not be a typical John Busser play because it lacks the laughs we always expect, but what it has in abundance is John’s ability to tell a story with real characters and raw emotion. This play about injustice, bigotry, and survival versus conscience hits hard. As each new truth is revealed, another punch to the gut lands perfectly. Outstanding work.

Hilarious and heartwarming, FIND ME A WIFE provides a (mostly?) true recounting of one man’s adventures in the senior dating scene. Bill, a widower, is a reluctant dater, and his early attempts only reinforce his hesitation in great comic fashion. Kathy Rasmussen has done a wonderful job of finding the theatricality in a friend’s personal history and, in doing so, creating a welcome vehicle for mature actors and audiences.

In the midst of the horrors of war, Danielle Wirsansky captures a precious moment of human connection between two young female Soviet conscripts. The contrast between tension and hopefulness is beautifully presented. I can imagine being part of an audience for this play as all hearts beat in unison.

This is my life except I play table tennis instead of pickleball. But the small victories, like a lucky bounce or a shout of “nice serve,” over the aches and pains of aging keep me and my teammates motivated. It’s truly not about whether you win or lose (I lose often), but just getting in the game. Dana Hall, my knees and lower back thank you for bringing your wit and compassion to this delightful tale of a senior “athlete.”

Oh my goodness. This is just too real and heartbreaking. Debra Cole forces us to confront the epidemic of gun violence in America in one horrifying minute. My hope is that enough people will see this and take action to prevent this from happening in real life.

A great premise and perfect execution. D. Lee Miller brings the heat and the humor to an interview of a prospective roommate while the building is burning. The nonchalant delivery and the occasional nod to the unfolding disaster work like a charm. Looking forward to seeing this performed by the ProEnglish Theatre of Ukraine.

This one cuts deep. I’m still haunted by a childhood bully. And this riveting drama has me wondering what I might have done if I had the power. And knowing I’m not alone in this thinking is what makes this play so powerful and frightening.

Scary good fun. I’m not familiar with the inspiration behind this clever piece, but it doesn’t matter. John Busser brings his unique twisted humor and fascination with the macabre to a bizarre divorce negotiation. Clearly, a pre-nup should have been in place. A Halloween treat that is welcome any time of year.

Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend is a comic genius. This work may have been inspired by The Mummy, but it takes on a reanimated life of its own. The interaction among this group of teen characters is pitch perfect and provides nonstop laughter. This play should be destined to be a mainstay on high school and college stages.

Charming, witty, and wise. The dialogue is worthy of comparison to the origin story as is the examination of the rules we blindly follow. Say yes to the cupcake and yes to Within the Garden Walls.