Recommended by Morey Norkin

Some purchases just feel awkward. There’s always that feeling that the person at the checkout counter is judging you. In this comic short, Minnesota Nice is put to the test over the purchase of a home pregnancy test. Ryan, the checkout guy, probably wishes he had a different shift. The interaction between Angie and Ryan is particularly funny. I won’t reveal the test results, but regarding the play, positive!

Easily one of Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn’s best works, yet one not relying on her signature sense of humor. Rather it is infused with her sense of humanity, another hallmark of her writing. Like Marco the security guard, I think everyone will want to give Melody a hug. Lovely work deserving of all its success.

Raw and powerful. The anger and hurt of a mother who loses her daughter to some senseless experiment with a friend. The guilt, desperation, and confusion of the friend. A life lost and two that will be forever changed. This is a play that stays with you long after reading/seeing it.

Whether under the guise of preserving a way of life or answering a call to make a country great again, deeply rooted prejudice has a hold on so many. With the character of Gary, Darrin Friedman takes a realistic look at the fear of change that manifests itself into the hatred of others. It’s not clear whether Gary can change. Change might be generational. And maybe that’s the best we can hope for. As with Darrin’s other work, the dialogue is natural, the characters fully formed, and the story compelling.

You can’t judge a book by its cover. And certainly 28-year-old Cody is in for quite a surprise when he learns more about 78-year-old Frances. Robert Weibezahl has given us two characters who meet at the perfect time, and we get to witness the beginning of a friendship that seems to be just what these two need. A simple setting. Delightful dialogue. And an ending that will leave you with a smile. That’s satisfaction.

This is an absolute charmer! Two scenes, a couple of centuries apart, each with delightful characters. The first, in modern times, will tug at your heartstrings. The second, two and half centuries earlier, will tickle your funny bone. And the connection between the two is sure to bring a smile to your face. After reading this you’ll want to head off to the Duck and Dog or your nearest pub to raise a pint or two to Chris Plumridge. Well done!

Got me! Paul Smith is the master of surprise endings, and the ending of A FAVOUR is one of his best! An elderly man and a younger man meet coincidentally on a park bench. Casual conversation ensues. I thought I had a clue as to what would happen. Nope. I imagine the audience’s collective inhale sucking all the oxygen out of the theatre! Do yourself a favor (favour) and read/produce this!

Matthew Alan Craig has composed a harrowing tale that pulsates with the rhythm and rapid-fire delivery of the stylized text. Ultimately, we’re left to ponder what are we to do as a society when the youngest among us commits the most heinous acts? Craig’s “Players” skillfully explore the possibilities, but, wisely, no clear answer is given. This one is guaranteed to spark (no pun intended) conversation wherever and whenever it is performed. Let the conversations begin!

Funny, heartbreaking, hopeful. April Lavalle has fashioned a marvelous story that examines faith, in a deity and in ourselves, and the trauma that can result from blind faith. No matter your upbringing, you’ll likely find yourself cheering on the members of the newly formed Revenge of Eve.

Performance art doesn’t always age well, and such is the case with some dance routines from the Nutcracker Suite that highlight ethnic stereotypes. Lucy Wang introduces us to a group of feisty students who want to make some changes that better reflect their cultural and personal values. Great lessons are learned all around in this upbeat, feel good work. No surprise this has received so many accolades.