Recommended by Morey Norkin

Having just read Jack Levine’s poignant tale, Intentions Matter, I was anxious to try something a little lighter from him. I made an excellent choice with It’s Really Very Simple! Jack has writers block. To help him through this predicament he enlists a talking monkey and a talking horse, Gerry and Dusty, respectively. The pair suggest plenty of funny ideas, at least to them and to us. What a treat this would be to see staged! What fun to call on Gerry and Dusty even when you’re not writing!

Intentions Matter, but the underlying truth can still be haunting. Jack Levine presents a beautiful relationship between an uncle turned father with his niece turned daughter that was forged under tragic circumstances. Beneath the surface there is a foreboding sense of guilt. I’m late to the Jack Levine portfolio, but based on this deeply moving play, I will be playing catch up!

Don Baker takes us along on a family road trip to Florida through the segregated south. The vivid memories recalled by White septuagenarian James of a time when he was 10 are at once nostalgic and unsettling. Baker’s monologue is an important reminder of where America has been in terms of race relations and how much work remains. I hope this will be performed often!

Not surprising this play is so highly acclaimed. Arianna Rose has created a beautifully written, completely relatable, emotional family journey in just 10 minutes. I read this at the end of the o-bon season in Japan, when deceased family members return home. As a number 5, I can’t help but think my numbers 1, 2, and 3 wanted me to read this. I’m grateful.

Perhaps the quilting circle in Crazy Quilts is not a group you want to belong to if it will have you as a member. The criteria for admission is not something to be desired. Karen Fix Curry has created an amazing misdirection as the quaint tale of a quilting group morphs into something quite disturbing. An outstanding dark comedy, simple in its presentation, but with writing sharper than any quilting needle!

It’s Hanukkah, and a 30-something Jewish woman is visiting her widowed mother so she can introduce her new boyfriend. He’s not exactly of the background the mother had in mind, but she’s a kind, understanding soul after all. Bruce Karp manages to save perhaps the best surprise for last. A clever, tender look at generational differences and how we seek parental approval no matter our age. Anyone planning a holiday festival should give this play serious consideration!

Cole Hunter Dzubak has fashioned a lovely tribute to Richard “Dick” Trotta and his buddies, all members of the “Greatest Generation,” sharing a bond over what was certainly America’s pastime. Lifelong friendships forged in youth, whether over baseball, another sport, or some other common interest are a precious gift. And what a special gift to have that friendship shared in such a beautifully written script.

Perhaps Chris Plumridge has saved the best Bear installment for last (currently). This one had me laughing throughout. And it left me hoping that Chris has just Bear-ly begun to enchant us with this adorable hero. Read the entire series (it’s short)! Stage the entire series! Have a Bear festival!

A dark and stormy night, a temptress Teddy and you have the makings of Great Britain’s first (are there more?) Vampire Teddy Bear. Something tells me this Bear is still safe for hugging. Another fun installment from the exceedingly clever Chris Plumridge!

Poor Bear has been left all alone in a crib, and a shaft of sunlight is creeping up on his tiny foot! Of course Bear is a vampire, so this is a dangerous situation! Will some kind human come to the rescue? Chris Plumridge strikes gold in this second installment of the Bear monologues!