Recommended by Morey Norkin

At times I felt as if I were reading an absurdist drama as the teacher evaluation scene played out. Cynthia’s anxiety and frustration were so palpable I could feel my blood pressure rising. And the way her frustration plays out at home with her husband and daughter speaks to how well Ricardo Soltero-Brown has developed these characters and relationships. I have no doubt public school teachers would love this, but it’s the administrators who really need to see it. Well done.

Marc Paykuss takes an unflinching look at today’s college culture that attempts to shield students from speech (from guest speakers, entertainers, etc.) that may be upsetting. Art, in the case of this play stand-up comedy, has a point of view. It’s not intended to be neutral. Some people will be offended. But they have a choice whether to consume it. TRIGGER WARNING will certainly promote discussion, but only if theater groups actually believe that’s what good theater is about.

A charming two-hander for senior actors. Family secrets and a budding romance are on tap when two strangers meet at a poorly attended funeral. This one left me with a smile and a craving for fish and chips.

In this powerful short piece, we see how the war in Ukraine has broken an already fragile father-daughter relationship. Taisiia “Taya” Fedorenko has given us two fully developed characters struggling to understand each other. As desperate as the father is to repair the damage, like the ever present war it is unclear what the resolution will be. Well done!

The repetitious act of waking up each morning brings new challenges or opportunities depending on your perspective. In this beautifully crafted and moving two-hander from Lee Lawing, we see how the separate morning routines affect Joey and Heather in positive and worrisome ways, respectively. The serendipitous meeting of these two is just what I was hoping for and I have no doubt audiences will feel the same. Every day can’t be perfect, but waking up is still a good thing. You might get to read a an amazing play like A CROSSING.

This is a play that everyone should read about a situation that no one should ever have to experience. Sasha Sereda’s haunting tale beautifully captures the emotional toll of war on the young and innocent. Thank you for sharing this important story.

A very touching story of an older Ukrainian couple now refugees in Germany. When can they return home? Or will Germany now be home? They each have their own method of coping. Beautiful monologues for both characters. Excellent work from Luka Ivanov.

I admit I read this hearing my best Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall impressions in my head. That’s how vivid Martha Patterson’s dialogue is. There’s nothing quite like noir to bring out the fatale in femme fatale, and the appropriately named Randy exceeds expectations. This one has it all. Just like Bogey and Bacall.

So much wisdom and beauty packed into this brief but compelling monologue. I don’t think you’ve likely to find a better summation of what it is to be in love. And an ending guaranteed to bring a knowing smile to your face.

Sure the job has some pressure, but it comes with a great title and you can cause all kinds of hell! Fast and funny, just the way all job interviews should be. Someone produce this for heaven’s sake!