Recommended by Morey Norkin

At the end of a first date it seems that romance is blossoming, but there’s a dark tinge of uncertainty. It’s that back and forth between will they/won’t they and should Beth just lock the door that will keep readers and audiences on the edge of their seats. Well done.

Samantha Oty takes us on a moving journey from dream-filled youth to a nightmarish adulthood reality. Danny and Margot seem destined to be part of each other’s lives, for better or worse. And as much as we may long for them to be together, it may be healthier for them to survive on their own. Beautifully written dialogue that packs an emotional punch with a softer touch of optimism.

Absolutely brilliant! A thriller/mystery wrapped in comic genius. Paul Smith’s clever setup and dialogue with not a syllable wasted make this one not to be missed. Another superb entry in Smith’s catalog of bench plays!

Jessica Feder-Birnbaum captures the essence of the 1980s in this fast-paced two-hander that deals with drug trafficking and body image. A college friendship is put to the test, but it appears it may be stronger than a mutual love of Dynasty or freshly pressed jeans. Hope this one finds a shot at a revival.

Although there is no shortage of sushi variations where I live (Japan), I found myself craving the sushi bowl at the heart of this monologue. I also felt a strong desire to see this performed, perhaps by Ms. Jonté herself. More than a longing for the subject dish, this monologue speaks to the strong connections we make to a place and time whether through a favorite meal, a song, or the people we shared these memories with. The imagery Jonté creates is powerful and will leave you as satisfied as any sushi bowl.

Terrific satire with laugh out loud physical humor and absurd dialogue. H. Avery absolutely gets their point across about parents’ desire for their child to be “normal” and some of the fundraising activities that are used to support a host of differently abled children. It’s all laughs until Avery’s final gut punch lands. Would love to see this performed.

It’s perfect. The brilliant wordplay and the overwhelming desire created for an authentic bagel balance the urgency and even danger of trying to pass on a family legacy. A character like Dvorah doesn’t come along every day. Mature female actors should be lining up for blocks to audition for this role. Great work!

Alaina Tennant is absolutely one of the best writers of historical drama. In LIBERATION, she skillfully uses every bit of the 10 minutes to shine a light on past horrors and injustices and remind us why it’s important for us to remember.

I rarely use words like “sweet” and “cute” to describe a John Busser play, but both are appropriate for this one. I’m not lying. Also clever, funny, and relatable, words that are the hallmark of John’s writing. As we watch a couple’s comfortable morning routine devolve into a hair raising mock trial, there’s always a sense that justice will be tempered with mercy. And sex. Hey, it’s a John Busser play! And it should be produced. Again, I’m not lying.

F.J. Hartland has crafted a touching and often very funny look at a mother-son relationship. The duo have a unique way of communicating important information, which highlights their struggle to communicate face to face. Hartland’s writing is crisp, and the dynamic between these two related yet very different characters is guaranteed to keep you engaged. Audiences will be left smiling, perhaps through a tear or two.