Recommended by Morey Norkin

I can’t imagine trying to buy a house now after reading this horror story. What with developers and others with deep pockets scooping up the best properties to flip for profit and the remaining fixer uppers requiring so much work, what are first-time buyers to do? I guess if you want something bad enough, you find way. And that’s the ultimate charm of this short piece.

Rather than the unconditional love that dogs seem to bestow on their humans, a cat’s relationships are basically transactional. Martha Garvey captures that in humorous and thoughtful fashion through Sully, the talking cat. There’s always a sense with cats, and it’s certainly true of Sully, that they never forget where they came from. That’s why Sully likely nails the audition. And any actor up to this challenge will likely nail theirs. I would love to see that.

Yeah, yeah, yeah! You know you should be glad that Claudia Haas is writing these Beatles inspired short pieces. SHE LOVES YOU is fast and funny with some great physical comedy and a twist that I did not see coming. Young actors will have a great time with this and maybe even be inspired to learn about the Fab Four.

Oh yeah I’ll tell you something… I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND is such a delightfully sweet story of innocence and a budding romance. If this play is any indication of the fun to be found in Claudia Haas’s “Silly Love Songs” collection, you gotta give me more!

Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend takes a truly tragic situation and mines it for all its comic potential. I envy anyone who gets to play the Coach. You won’t believe you’re actually laughing at what happened to the Cranston high school varsity, but trust me, you will.

Technology can truly work miracles. The joy brought to the child in this touching monologue because of a new prosthetic hand is palpable. I have no doubt the kids at school will ooh and aah when they see this device, just like audiences will when they get to see a young performer pull off this monologue.

A heartbreakingly moving piece that is relatable to so many. Watching a loved one succumb to dementia calls up so many emotions, including guilt. This monologue clearly stands on its own and will pack quite a punch in performance. If you want to see it in context, I also highly recommend WOULD YOU LIKE HELP WITH THAT?

Efficient and effective. Your smile will last longer than the play.

I love how three generations are vividly depicted in this short piece with only two characters on stage. A moving story that makes you wonder how many precious moments have already been missed within this family. There’s quite a lot to take in here, making it a perfect fit for any theatre.

What a great story! And to think it’s based on true events makes it all the more fascinating. Iyna Caruso does a terrific job of bringing Picasso, stolen art, and the Dreyfus Affair together in a nifty Parisian crime caper. This would be so much fun to see on stage.