Recommended by Morey Norkin

There is clearly tension between Casey and Otto, a married couple headed for divorce. That tension only increases with the intrusive introduction of Sam, who works with Otto. But unlike the detective shows that Casey watches even though they are so predictable, “The Detective” is anything but predictable. I felt as if I were the detective trying to decipher characters’ motives and sort out fact from fiction. This is a piece that could make a terrific impact for a theater up to the challenge.

Method actors will be sharpening their skills, as well as their teeth and horns, for a chance to perform in this insane, horror-filled, satirical take on golden age TV sitcoms. June Cleaver with an actual cleaver would be no match for Mary Jones, the Fishkill mother of the millennium. Theaters are in for a lot of fun when they add this one to their schedule!

Kim E. Ruyle provides an entertaining and thoughtful look at today’s educational environment through the varied lenses of teachers with vastly different approaches. As anyone even remotely involved in the arts knows, music, art, theatre, etc., enhance the school experience, HENCE, improving performance in the hard sciences. And when a meeting of the minds results in some emotional vulnerability, there’s no telling what can happen. I highly suggest you read it to find out. Great dialogue! Winning characters!

The tension really mounts in this fast-paced thriller! Past bad behavior that was thought to be cured appears to raise its ugly head again. Or is it just gaslighting? And if so, who is gaslighting whom? I need to read this again with a bag of popcorn!

Dana Hall takes us on an amazing journey of a family facing mental health issues. The rewards of going on this journey with them are too numerous to list here. Hall’s expertise is evident in the fully developed characters, the fluid dialogue, and even the humor. The struggles are real, but so is the way forward. I truly hope this finds its way to the stage soon!

In this noirish drama, Ken Love presents a crazed photographer consumed with jealousy over his wife’s affair. As he (along with us) watches and captures photographic evidence, his obsession and plan for revenge become more frenzied. This one will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. The visual aspect of a live production could be so powerful as to make the audience feel like accomplices rather than mere spectators. Great work!

Life can throw a lot at you. But if you’re at least lucky enough to have friends you can talk to and who will listen and share their own struggles, triumphs, and fears, you might find the strength to deal with it all in a positive way. In THREE BLIND MICE, Darrin Friedman presents such a friendship among three middle aged men. Their stories are authentic and raw. Sometimes insensitive comments sting deeply. Through it all, they, and we, are better off for taking this journey together. Beautiful work!

The word play and misunderstanding between this couple, one English speaker and one French, make this play a real charmer. Mice, minced pies, and a clever reference to Sweeney Todd provide plenty of reasons to smile. Here’s hoping Harry manages to escape for many Christmases to come!

When a stranger shows up at your door claiming their car broke down, beware! Or so I always believed. I thought I knew where this charming holiday story was headed, but Vivian Lermond took it in several unexpected directions. The characters, their Yorkshire dialect, and the carefully unfolding plot make this an absolutely delightful read!

I listened to a terrific production and discussion of this play on the podcast Theatrical Shenanigans. Then I had to read it to more closely follow Dana Hall’s moving dialogue. The script provides important background on depression and how it was treated during the 1950s, the setting for this play. The story is truly a tragedy of loss compounded by the lack of understanding and available resources. This play will stay with you long after the hearing or reading.