Recommended by Morey Norkin

This is an absolute joy to read and no doubt the same would be can be said for seeing it on the stage. What a funny retelling of the story of creation and how it didn’t go exactly according to plan. I’m still laughing over the “Holy 5-second rule.”

An impatient adult son and a father harboring a deep, dark secret. With Scott Sickles’ deft touch, the father finds the courage to share his story with his son, and in return the son shares his skill as a teacher to help his father leave a beautiful message for his infant granddaughter. As someone currently engaged in teaching English as a foreign language, I was truly touched by this deeply moving drama. Anyone would be.

In this charming short play, Christopher Plumridge pays loving tribute to his grandfather. With the chaos of WWII as the backdrop, Plumridge’s tale focuses on nature and a sign of hope in a newly hatched blackbird cared for by the elder Plumridge. I sincerely hope Chris has the opportunity to portray his grandfather in this quiet, thoughtful play.

Who knew that assisted living facilities came with fringe benefits?! In Debra A. Cole’s delightful 10-minute comedy, four senior ladies bored with scrabble decide it’s time to get back in the saddle so to speak. At Rancho Felicidad, nicknamed Wrinkle Ranch, opportunities abound for busting broncos, and possibly a hip if you’re not careful! This should be a welcome addition at any 10-minute play festival.

After reading Kate McMorran’s very short but hilarious “I Don't Want To End Up As A Douchebag Character In One Of Your Plays: A Play,” I wanted to immediately follow up with a longer sample. “The Registry” confirms McMorran’s talent and gift for comedy. The action is primarily between two sisters arguing, discussing, and finally understanding the unique plan the younger sister has in mind. All the while taking on capitalism, social activism, weddings, marriage, religion, and the very nature of love. Well done!

And there you have it!

Others have used the word “heartbreaking” to describe this play, and it certainly is. It’s one thing to read/see a play about a character that is subjected to this level of abuse and be moved but quite another experience to know that “Joey” is the true story of the playwright, Joe Swenson. I can’t even begin to imagine the strength to survive such an ordeal let alone share it in such a coherent, moving drama. Please read this.

This may not be the season to BE jolly, but it is certainly the season to READ Jolly! Arthur M, Jolly’s “Mrs. Dilber’s Fabulous Bedcurtains” is simply brilliant. Everything you know from “A Christmas Carol” is there, and then some. With Scrooge’s housekeeper as the central character, Jolly provides clever commentary on the original story, Victorian society, and our current economic imbalances. And did I mention it’s funny? Read it, you’ll see!

Paul Donnelly has crafted an emotionally charged one-act that deals with family dysfunction, the ability to change and forgive, or not. Paul’s dialogue is so crisp and real, you may find yourself wanting to excuse yourself and step into another room during the intense Thanksgiving dinner climax. And for me personally, the many suburban Washington, DC references were a special treat. A great vehicle for four strong female actors.

I read this immediately after reading Jacquelyn’s Veterans of Community Theatre. What a remarkable range! In Good Morning, Miriam, Jacquelyn tackles the difficult subject of dementia through Miriam’s struggle with loss of memory and self and Audrey’s struggle with the loss of her mother. A very moving piece from a very versatile talent!