Recommended by Morey Norkin

A very clever, witty piece that looks at how centuries of art have influenced our view of gender roles. The anachronistic banter between Botticelli and Venus is lively and provides laughs and insight in equal measure. Sure to be a delight on stage.

In CHERRIES JUBILEE, Rand Higbee presents a modern fairy tale, and a hilarious one at that! What at first appears to be a simple and sweet marriage proposal becomes a tense challenge. What kind of challenge? Best not to dwell on that. Just dwell on the laughs and enjoy!

When you peel back the layers on this enjoyable short piece, you might find yourself crying from laughter. Allenworth Academy has the worst team name imaginable and yet it is weirdly appropriate. The laughs come as two very different students, aided by a patient teacher, try to come up with a new name. I’m sure high schools would get a kick out of this as would just about any short play festival. I would love to see the mascot make an appearance!

To be the new kid on the block, cell block that is, has to be unnerving. And Ken Love paints a frightening picture of the power dynamic between veteran prisoner, Vince, and the new kid, Stu. It’s a testament to Love’s writing that we experience the dissonance of knowing Stu deserves his punishment and also worrying about what’s in store for him. Well done!

When you’re laughing even before the first word is spoken, you know you’re in for a good time. This ribald contemporary take on Lysistrata is smart, funny, and outrageous. And it’s in verse! Dawn Branch is a genius!

Imagine “Close Encounters” meets “Deliverance” meets “Borat.” As weird and funny as that might sound, you have to turn it up several notches to reach John Busser’s level of hilarity. Alien dad jokes and plot twists galore. John Busser has boldly gone where no playwright has gone before, but hopefully theaters will go along for the ride!

Dudes, you have to read this! I’m not into video or role playing games at all, but this is a laugh riot. Stage combat like you’ve never seen. A sweet little old lady with a dude harem. Have a cookie and enjoy!

The character David is described as “a good man facing an unspeakable horror.” And that is clearly true. Yet even as we come to know the truth of that horror, Darrin Friedman offers David, and us, comfort with the presence of Agnes. This play is simply (though nothing simple about writing something so extraordinary) beautiful and comforting. I often sit in a park and watch the ducks and herons. I think this play will be on my mind as I enjoy the scenery.

Now I’m disturbed! Deb Cole takes a situation that occurs too often and presents it with all its maddening frustration. Who wouldn’t be tempted to take extreme measures? That, and the laws that allow this kind of situation in the first place, are prime topics for follow up discussions. Make it happen!

Cats! Cats in space! A cat that talks like a pirate! And a famous fast-food sandwich that I still occasionally indulge in! What more could you ask for?! How about bad puns and song lyrics? And tucked within all the fun goofiness, is an important lesson in kitty care and one for human self care. I’m lovin’ it!