Recommended by Morey Norkin

A sad and frightening look at where women’s reproductive rights are headed in post Roe v. Wade America. George Sapio let’s the tension build as the two characters discuss the details of their planned “escape.” And then he leaves you teetering on the edge of your seat wondering what their fate will be. A small bit of discomfort considering what women are already facing. This is an important play that needs to be produced before the events depicted become reality.

New Year’s Eve countdown is a time filled with hope and promises. Many of those promises are easily broken. But in John Mabey’sw absolutely delightful rom-com, a burned out lawyer may be able to fulfill a resolution with seconds to spare with help from a surprising source. The characters are engaging, the dialogue witty and fast-paced. Read this. And if you have the chance to see it, do so. It will be time well spent.

Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn tells a beautiful, heartbreaking story in Barn Wood and Blue Roses. Chelsea and Devon are young teens and best friends. Chelsea has cystic fibrosis, so Devon creates a fantasy world for them as a way to encourage her. But it seems Devon also needs an escape from the real world. Jacquie’s wit shines brightly throughout, especially as characters break from the storytelling. But it’s her humanity that sets this play apart. A one-act version is available, but the more time spent with these characters the better.

Although Cole Hunter Dzubak uses a Godot theme, there are no gimmicks, no schtick, just a deeply human conversation between two people of different generations, each trying to get their lives back on track after emotional/physical upheaval. An audition is kind of a refuge for them both. The dialogue is effortless, real, and completely engaging. Of course, there is waiting. But this mainly serves to allow the conversation to continue and a new friendship to bloom. Simple to stage, so hopefully someone will make that happen.

OMG! What a terrific, clever, funny, haunting play. Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend uses an unwilling prophet and the Messiah as an unlikely pair to warn the world of impending doom because of climate change. The scenes are neatly connected by radio programming that, in addition to some hilarious Florida man jokes, presents enough factual information to sound alarms. And the ending… shocking, yet so believable. This play ultimately is an urgent call to action. Read it. Stage it. Act now.

After reading this I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. But what I do know is I’m laughing! Only John Busser could write such a funny time travel story in a corporate setting and combine it with a clever cure for an STD! Yes, it’s that crazy and that much fun! Reading/staging this should be a destiny event!

Completely original and totally hilarious! Emily McClain’s gender-neutral monologue about a cabin porter on a quarantined cruise liner who makes an inappropriate towel sculpture is a must read, must see! This play will pop into my head anytime I happen across an elaborately folded towel or napkin.

I don’t have words to adequately describe Andrew Martineau’s beautiful writing or the emotional impact of this play. Heartbreaking is certainly a word that comes to mind but doesn’t really do justice to the many emotional levels experienced in such a short time span. I highly recommend reading and staging this play.

Allie Costa’s award-winning Noir turn is a tightly written thriller that changes things up some by introducing a female PI. But she’s as tough as any Dashiell Hammet detective. Great characters, surprising plot twists. And maybe the perfect crime. This is a great read and no doubt a treat for audiences!

Danielle Wirsansky has crafted an excellent two hander for women. Set during WWII, the story is an imagined conversation between a true life young Japanese American woman (Grace Harada) and her recruiter as she attempts to enlist in the Women's Army Corps. Being of Japanese ancestry, Grace’s options for schooling, housing, and employment were severely limited. But she’s a strong-willed character who is no longer willing to except no as an answer. The tragedy of war often brings us such characters. I hope this play will continue to build on its early success!