Recommended by Morey Norkin

A murder has been committed and the body hidden when a friend of the victim, if we can believe what we’re told, enters. The characters, identified simply as murderer and visitor, face off in a battle of wits. And the dialogue is so witty, sometimes bordering on the absurd, but always increasing the tension and challenging our expectations. A cat and mouse game with real intellectual depth. Fascinating work!

Never underestimate the power of the pen. Can Murphy, an emerging writer, escape this seemingly dire situation? Or has the conclusion been preordained? The stakes and tension are high in this taut thriller from Abhisek Bhattacharya. Cool scenario and gripping execution! Should be a hit at any festival.

A sweet and funny first date made even livelier by the presence of Monica’s brain. The mere physical presence plus the hilarious snide remarks kept me smiling throughout. I could have used this play 40 years ago!

GUYS AND DOLLS is one of my favorite musicals, and Alice Josephs does a wonderful job of bringing the story of its creation to life. It’s like sitting and enjoying a slice of Mindy’s cheesecake while all the show’s luminaries are dishing the dirt. And who knew that composer/lyricist Frank Loesser was such a jerk?! Lots of hidden gems in this script. Sue me! I love it!

Light and breezy, AROMA, is a fun look at life in an upscale department store and new product marketing. Hastings and Sue have a long history, apparently not just as colleagues, and it’s this familiarity that allows them to come together for what looks like a win-win situation. Read this for one more win!

Try not to cry while reading this. I failed. Ryan Vaughan shares a lovely, heartbreaking story around a tragedy that has become much too common. Told with quiet compassion, this play will stay with you long after reading.

How many Lucy’s are there? Not just in the UK, but in every country where economic conditions and disinterested politicians lead to countless young people being deprived of their childhood. This monologue speaks truth to power. Now is the time for action! Produce this!

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Brent Alles’ dialogue is crisp and clever. (My favorite line - “Serious as a breadstick.) The living arrangements of the two characters are far from typical, and once you understand that, the familiarity and tension between them makes perfect sense. You can’t help but be drawn in by these two characters and find hope with the intriguing ending. Time for this play to return to the stage!

How do you get someone struggling with depression to see their own value? Cal offers Em hope, persistence, setting manageable milestones in addition to true friendship. The conversation is witty and warm. This play is simply beautiful and left me feeling hopeful. Aly Kantor is a wonder.

Kim E. Ruyle has created a clever romantic comedy with mature characters whose connections are based on some surprising coincidences. The crisp dialogue and the way Ruyle weaves the backstories with the present pull you in so you can’t help but root for all the various relationships to work out. In addition to the romantic relationships, there are family dynamics at play that provide a source of drama and tension. It all works beautifully! And that ending! Would love to see this before I slide completely into seniorhood!