Recommended by Morey Norkin

Imagine Romeo and Juliet in more modern times having survived their youth and now preparing to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. That’s what Lee R. Lawing has done to great dramatic effect. Lawing questions whether the idealized romantic love of their youth would sustain them through their lifetime. As we see here, the fire of youth has cooled to a certain familiarity, maybe even complacency or boredom. A tale for our times. “For never was a story of more woe, Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.” Well done!

Debra Cole has created quite an extraordinary character study in this brief monologue. An actor can choose many different ways to play this from a matter-of-fact explanation to full on obsessive-compulsive paranoia and everything in between. And any option would be entertaining. In addition to the skillful construction of this piece, Debra manages to lay in some sound safety advice. I would love to see this performed!

Win, lose, or draw, there’s no escaping death when it’s our time. Scott Sickles presents Michael’s encounter with the well-known figure of Death as he tries to stall for time through a chess match. The dialogue is funny and clever, but leads us gently to the inevitable conclusion. As if someone had taken us by the hand. Beautifully done.

Chilling, and yet hauntingly beautiful! The unexpected twist brings this thrilling gothic tale to a satisfying conclusion! Would love to see this on stage or even on screen!

Whew! An absolute nail biter! And a tour de force for any actor playing Daniel. Told essentially through voicemail messages, first checking on a romantic interest who is late for a social gathering, then desperately trying to make contact during some sudden and frightening circumstances. Will Daniel reach Justin?! Is it already too late?! A horror/love story like no other! Keep your blood pressure medicine handy!

If you’re still looking for some holiday cheer, look no further! John Busser presents a hilarious noir vision of the seedier side of life at the North Pole. The poetic narration that holds the story together is simply inspired! I can imagine little elf families reading it to their little elf children as an annual tradition! Not only is this a fun read, but it makes for a brilliant radio play! You can catch it at Gather By The Ghost Light. Well done!

Samantha Marchant takes us on a wild ride into the afterlife where, courtesy of an Angel and a Devil, our souls are weighed to determine their final destination. This duo focuses on the last four acts before death. Thought provoking questions are raised about our legacies, faith, and fairness. A wonderful challenge is in store for the two actors playing the Angel and Devil as they play a host of different characters throughout. This would be quite spectacular to see staged!

I don’t know how Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn manages to get inside the adolescent mind of a 14-year-old boy/prince, but she does it perfectly and to great comic effect! Not sure what name this young prince goes by, but this monologue is absolutely charming!

Two doctors held prisoner in an old laundromat. Only the sounds of the washers and dryers to mark the passage of time. At first, the conversation doesn’t come easily. But then as one character becomes more willing to open up, the mood lightens, the two doctors seem to bond in a comical way, and then the dryer completes its cycle. A dark comedy filled with haunting imagery, witty dialogue, and a constant sense of foreboding. There should be at least 99 recommendations on Hannah Lee DeFrates’ wall for this excellent play!

I was already a fan of Alexandra Petri’s satirical column in the Washington Post, so I’m not surprised at how much I thoroughly enjoyed TRAGEDY AVERTED. As expected, the writing is intelligent, witty, and laugh out loud hilarious! A brilliant concept (Shakespeare’s tragic heroines at summer camp), completely engaging characters, and a story with real heart beneath the laughter. This is the only play from Petri available on NPX. Hopefully there will be more!