Recommended by Morey Norkin

Over great periods of time old beliefs and customs are replaced with new ones. But to preserve the ancient stories, it often takes a poet to capture the essence of a time and its people. In this play, Einar is that poet, but in fact the true poet is playwright Nora Louise Syran. Here she lovingly weaves a tale of Norse mythology and Icelandic history to pass on to students, teachers, parents, or anyone else lucky enough to share in this experience. Entertainment and education in one beautiful package.

A painful memory, even two, leaves Rane contemplating taking their fate into their own hands. A sorrowful scenario, and yet Sarah Hajkowski creates a dreamlike theatrical experience. Even the stage directions are beautifully written. The subject matter is quite heavy, but for organizations skilled in areas related to mental health, this play is absolutely worthy of consideration.

In PHOTO FINISH, Abhisek Bhattacharya has created a tense drama around what may be the perfect crime. An invention so advanced that investigators can’t figure it out, but the inventor is wracked with guilt for being motivated by revenge. Is this invention possible? This play had me convinced it was. And it had me on the edge of my seat. Well done.

A prize student explains her head wound in hilarious and convoluted fashion. There’s a boyfriend who wants to get back together, a pillow fight, rock throwing, and dancing on a bar dressed as, what else, a Japanese schoolgirl. Pity the poor professor who tries to elicit the details and have her student get to the point. A very funny inter-generational two-hander.

A beautiful friendship shared by three young children connects their families and models the love that fills their households. Ryan Vaughan fills this play with sweetness, warmth, and love, which makes the losses so heartbreaking. If you have a heart, you will cry. A lot. But you can take courage from the characters in this play and get through it together with them. Beautifully done.

I read part one a while ago, but decided to read this collection in its entirety. What a wise choice. Following Daphne, Bertram, Zoey, and Robert on their journey of self understanding, acceptance, and friendship, as a group and one-on-one, was heartwarming and inspiring. Each character unique and lovable in their own way. I hope that children, parents, educators, and policymakers will see this and learn from it.

The tension and the laughs escalate at a frantic pace in this clever look at holiday traditions. The narration that places the inter-family squabble into historical context is simply brilliant. So much to love about this play, including a character who could pass for George Santos, Jr. Obviously a great addition to any holiday themed festival, but truly a comedy that should be welcome year-round.

I laugh-est myself silly with this delightful mashup of Shakespeare, Hansel and Gretel, and Valley girl speak! Melissa Milich makes great use of Shakespearean quotes and fills the dialogue with loads of wonderful groan-worthy jokes. Methinks the groundlings at any festival would shout huzzah!

The camaraderie between these two characters, a Britney Spears impersonator and a waitress, makes this Las Vegas play a sure bet. The two share their disappointments and dreams as they discuss fanciful plans for knocking over the Bellagio. Ken Levine’s witty dialogue is a sheer joy to read. This is a winner!

Once you realize you’re in the viewing room of a prison execution chamber, you can hardly catch your breath until the end of this tense drama. Terrific examination of the death penalty and the multiple victims of a horrible crime. Well done!