Recommended by Morey Norkin

THE DOG is a first-rate example of the wonder that is Ricardo Soltero-Brown’s dialogue. Always authentic, often absurd, and laced with a sense of heightened desperation. Characters A and B, like most of us, want to be seen, needed, noticed. There’s the unseen titular dog who probably wants the same things and ends up acting out in unsettling ways. There’s so much more to discover than one reading permits. Good thing it’s a fast read. Would absolutely love to see this on stage.

Reading this in light of the recent lies about pet eating and the resulting dangers to a community, I found this to be a timely cautionary tale. In this case, reason prevails. Adam Richter presents an immensely entertaining dialogue between the vulnerable Margery and the kindly Dr. Harvey. Definitely deserving of a wider audience.

What a clever retelling of the biblical story of Sarah. Michele Miller updates the language and provides plenty of humor in this pointed takedown of patriarchal society and women’s lack of bodily autonomy. The repartee between Sarah and Angel is crisp, irreverent, and just plain funny. And what a great ending. This would be a terrific addition to any short play festival.

Two lost, or shipwrecked, souls meet on a park bench. Their personality differences are readily apparent, but it’s their commonality, which is revealed through charming and amusing dialogue, that leaves us feeling hopeful. That and the terrific payoff at the end. A wonderful addition to the park bench genre.

Imagine 2001: A Space Odyssey but happening in your home. Mark Saunders explores just how far AI and our connected world can go in controlling our lives. The story is presented with a perfect balance of frightening possibilities and humor. I completely enjoyed reading this as well as listening to an excellent presentation by Broken Arts Entertainment at https://youtu.be/VfpEcXeq_rQ
Well done!

Scott Sickles takes us to a time when humanity has spread out across the Milky Way galaxy. But now that incredible advancement is facing complete annihilation. The tension builds rapidly as possibly the last living person learns the harrowing details from a dispassionate computer voice. Remarkably, Sickles turns what is certainly a terrific sci-fi thriller into a beautiful love story. Not only is this a great read, but you can hear a first-rate production from Broken Arts Entertainment at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4a-U_4AZv8E
Prepare to be amazed!

Paul Smith gives us a tension-filled monologue in which Laurence grapples with the consequences of how his wife bullies him and his female persona, Jenny. Smith provides a view into the personalities of Laurence and Jenny, opposites in more than just clothing. Quite a tour de force for any actor up to the challenge. This is my first glimpse into Smith’s “Cell” series. I’m hooked!

Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend is a comedy genius! In this political farce, she manages to provide plenty of laughs while still making clear the seriousness of the current assault on reproductive freedom. No easy feat. But with the aid of the most enjoyable senior trio since The Golden Girls, Feriend strikes gold of her own. Abortion initiatives may not be on the ballot in every US state, but make no mistake, the issue is definitely on the ballot. Hopefully voting will prove a better choice than the scheme cooked up here.

There is probably no better way to learn history than through the words of those who lived it. Danielle Wirsansky has done a remarkable job and a great service by preserving the words of George Aigen, a World War II veteran who helped liberate Dachau concentration camp. Wirsansky manages to make this more than just an educational experience; it is also a moving theatrical work. This is quite a testimony to what human beings are capable of doing to other human beings. There is no better time to produce this than now.

This piece is kind of a time capsule providing a humorous reminder of the hyper vigilance of the pandemic. Masking and sanitizing are still very much in vogue in my part of the world, but at least we can all breathe a little easier these days and share a laugh at what we came through. Thank you, Dana Hall!