Recommended by Morey Norkin

This short thriller actually gave me chills! A hitchhiker, at night, a back road… sure. But John Busser brings his own wonderful style and takes us on a ride with some sharp turns. Buckle up because it really is a bumpy ride

I’m not easily drawn to vampire stories, but this one with two teens (albeit one actually centuries old) was a sweet love story enhanced by the blood thirsty aspect. The tentativeness and longing between Harmony and Leah is all to human even though the result of their union is something altogether different. Well done.

In this very funny short piece, Julie Brandon turns crossing the River Styx into a joyride. Manny, Janine, and the Ferryman make for a fun trio, but I also found myself thinking about Janine’s boyfriend who is left with a great story to tell.

Nora Louise Syran provides the perfect answer to why it’s important to study history. In this powerful piece, the play within a play mirrors the horrors brought on by war and authoritarianism happening outside the theater. As history has shown, theater makers are often more vocal sources of resistance than our supposed leaders. Nora Louise Syran provides a welcome voice for our time.

Well, this play left me a blubbering mess. So beautiful. Can two lost souls reconnect? Read it to find out. Prepare to be moved.

I imagine anyone who read this prior to the 2020 US presidential election breathed a sigh of relief once the election results were confirmed. But reading it now, a little more than two months into the current administration, the scenario presented in DRAIN is more disturbing because it is completely plausible. Scott Sickles has an amazing talent for dystopian drama. His talent lies not just in the excellence of his writing but also in his uncanny ability to see where the present is leading us.

I really need to see this performed live. As funny as it is to read, and it’s a riot, the opportunities for this cast of mature female actors vying to be crowned Ms. Sterling Silver to shine are endless. And then there’s Merle, the elderly, one-arm-functioning stagehand, destined to steal the show. Audiences will love the antics of these characters as they try to solve the mystery. Jacquie Priskorn is a Woman of Hilarity!

John Busser combines his signature humor and his ability to tell stories with emotional heft into an entertaining and heartwarming one-act. As Gramps spins yarns about arcane hospital rules and polar bears to amuse and enthrall young Cassie, their bond strengthens as they share a brief distraction from the reason for their hospital visit. This play recently received an award from PlayZoomers, and will be presented by them in early May. I for one can hardly wait.

David Lipschutz combines movie trivia and bee puns to great comic effect. Having the grandpa bee relate his Hollywood exploits to his two excitable grand bees is an adorable storytelling device. So much fun. Now I want to see all of the movies mentioned to try to pick out grandpa’s performances.

Now I need to find my own partially gelatinated nondairy gum-based drink to find out the truth. And what’s become of the little people? What a wild wacky one minute. I imagine audiences imbibing a few green beers as they enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day treat.