Recommended by Morey Norkin

I suppose if James Carville and Mary Matalin can be together for 30 years, Billy and Susan can at least make it to a second date. Their compatibility is certainly questionable, and part of the fun of this piece is at first taking sides (and even switching sides) and gradually (maybe grudgingly) acknowledging there may be something there. One thing for sure, there is plenty there with Darrin Friedman’s script. I can see this play sparking some interesting conversations. Well done!

There’s so much about this that I love! The very concept of the Take it or Leave it Shed. The general discussion of recycling. The two characters anxious to move on with their day. I completely identified with the character, Art. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling day than a trip to the doctor, Denny’s, and Target! Fun entertainment encouraging responsible citizenship. What a concept!

In several short scenes with various pairs of 20-somethings, James Perry raises interesting questions about gender and reaching conclusions about one’s own identity. I would find it fascinating to not only see this staged, but to hear the audience take up the discussion where the play leaves off.

The setup at first feels like some old time comedy sketch, as the same person passes through a mysterious door multiple times while another sits waiting, reacting to what seems to be happening on the other side. But Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn has other, more serious things in store for us. Overall an imaginative look at how our dreams can affect how we deal with important issues in our waking lives. So many different ways to play this one and I would love to see them all!

Vivienne is one sharp businesswoman! She is more than ready for the confrontation with Helen, who has some issues with her business practices. Rachel Feeny-Williams doesn’t miss a trick (pun intended) in this nifty two-hander. Has Vivienne given Helen an offer she can’t refuse? That’s a question that will have audiences happily debating. And I would love to be part of the audience!

This story went in a direction I wasn’t expecting, which is what gives it its power and charm. As Kaylee points out to her mom the faux perfection of her social media presence, it seems she has an ulterior motive. Their family may not be the ideal presented online, but the relationship between mother and daughter ultimately leaves us hopeful. Lots of fun to be had creating the visuals of the online posts. I would love to see this brought to life.

What a terrific holiday satire! It’s a middle school war on Christmas, and for one teacher, the long-time annual pageant is a personal crusade. Beware you secularists! Emily McClain provides plenty of laughs with great dialogue and physical comedy. A nice way to put a bow on your holiday reading!

Everything that can go wrong on a Zoom first date does in this hilarious and sweet one-act from David Lipschutz. But patience and the joy, mixed with some embarrassment, of family being family seem to be enough to ensure a second date. Great roles for actors spanning three generations. Bubbie and Zayde are a riot! Zoom it or stage it, but keep producing it!

Job interviews were so painful for me, but the series of interviews Lainie Vansant presents in OVERQUALIFIED are so funny I almost want to try it again. The creative use of masks as Joey tries to show different sides of her personality and meet the interviewers’ expectations certainly adds to the overall enjoyment of this fun piece. Hope this one comes back to the stage soon!

Don Baker wastes no time establishing the conflict and comedy as signals between two co-workers are crossed, completely misinterpreted, or not even sent. We are left wondering if Ray doth protest too much. This one could certainly be the talk of any festival!