Recommended by Morey Norkin

Plenty of laughs and even more heart. Holiday traditions from the past tend to lose their appeal when you’re all alone. But if you’re lucky enough to have a funny, insightful angel tree topper like Clara, you may begin to see things in a new light. And that’s even before she’s plugged in. This is a wonderful holiday gift, and I look forward to hearing it on Theatrical Shenanigans 12 Plays of Christmas!

What a riot! This farce will clearly delight the theatre-savvy crowd with its hilarious take on the first reading of a new play and the unfolding romances/longings/rejections/misperceptions that permeate the rehearsal period. Of course, it will also delight a much broader audience because it is just so funny! Scott Sickles is clearly a master of the mockumentary genre.

In DREAM HOUSE, Deb Cole has marvelously expanded her gripping 10-minute play, THE DISTURBANCE. Even knowing that story, and having been shocked by it, I was still not prepared for how disturbing this story would become. We are first lulled into a sense of security as we enjoy a young couple lovingly plan their future. It’s not until they meet the appropriately named “Rob” that things take a dark turn. This one will get your blood to the boiling point. Outstanding!

Sometimes rules are meant to be broken. And when you have a friendly ghost with a sweet tooth looking out for you, no one will be the wiser. Robin and Sunny are a delightful pair, and with luck, Jacquie Priskorn will share more of their antics and friendship. What a treat!

Wow! Jillian Blevins takes the reality of postpartum depression and ratchets up the tension to where we don’t know what is a physical/emotional response on the part of the mother or if there a supernatural element. Absolutely frightening! And then I listened to the audio version on Gather By The Ghostlght. Whoa! This play should be on everyone’s Halloween schedule.

Rachel Feeny-Williams does it again! I can never figure out what clever twist is in store until she chooses to reveal it at the perfect moment. Lots of laughs, some mystery, and a terrific turn of events guarantee this will be an audience favorite!

A story that has brought joy to millions of children had a far less positive effect on the child who inspired it. Alaina Tennant tells the story of Christopher Robin Milne and his relationship with his parents and the famous story in beautiful and heartbreaking fashion. In what I consider to be the climactic moment, the tension between father and son was so intense it took my breath away! This is absolutely ready to be staged!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, if you’re looking for a silly, fun, and heartwarming time, the Linguini Brothers Circus is the place for you! With a mix of charming, mostly animal characters, Brent Alles teaches us that even if we can’t be circus headliners, we all have talents that make us unique. Along the way, he treats us to some great dad jokes, puns, and not so hidden song lyrics. Pure joy!

Nora Louise Syran provides an idyllic setting for this gathering of three sisters. The conversation moves naturally from topic to topic as the older sister attempts to cut off any discussion of sensitive issues (i.e., politics and Covid conspiracies). Although differences emerge, the sibling bonds remain strong. Three great roles with one having a terrific monologue. Besides being moved by the story, I was left with a strong desire for steamed crabs, Old Bay, and corn on the cob.

Change does not come easily, particularly as we age. In this compelling drama, Tom Erb demonstrates this perfectly as we see in one case change comes too late. In the other case, there may still be time. Issues of gender identity and sexual orientation may cause confusion or worse between generations, but as this play movingly shows us, acceptance is the only path forward. Great roles for two older gentlemen.