Recommended by Morey Norkin

Deal? Or No Deal? The temptation is great. Even though this clever monologue appears to have been written for the previous presidential election, it is still right on point for 2024. James McLindon’s Satan is a fast-talking salesman with a great pitch. With or without the help from the Devil himself, the message for this election is clear: Vote! Vote like your soul depends on it, because it does!

Jack needs to be nimble, Jack needs to be quick if he wants to hold onto Jill. With their relationship at a crossroads, Jill asks the ultimate defining question: Do you love me? From there things take a most unexpected turn. Jason Grant provides an interesting look at a young couple, particularly Jill, a woman with options. This one will certainly leave audiences buzzing.

Lang presents an intense and realistic drama of a Black family living in the Deep South in the years immediately after WWII. As a forbidden relationship is pursued, family relations are put to the test. With rich characterizations and a fast-paced plot, A Lovers’ Quarrel successfully combines thrilling theatrics with a stark look at a shameful era. Well done!

Teleporting appears to be a common superpower. We all know someone who possesses it. That person you can always count on, who takes on more tasks than humanly possible, who seems to be everywhere all at once. And even with this power, sometimes they need a break. Anastasia Wild has paid a wonderful tribute to these people with an energetic, sympathetic, relatable monologue. A great audition and performance piece.

It doesn’t surprise me that a collection of books would be at the heart of a shared remembrance between father and son as told by Philip Middleton Williams. Just read any of his works and the love of reading shines through. Writing like this doesn’t happen by accident. A beautiful story that in other hands could easily become cliche, instead is comforting and fresh. A pleasure to read.

Well, this explains a lot! I would certainly like to believe there is an unseen council causing me to misplace items rather than my own absentmindedness. This is so relatable that audiences will absolutely smile throughout. I know I did!

A failing empire and the struggle for a new state collide in a small room where secrets are kept. As a murderous plot with international and historical implications is slowly revealed, the tension steadily mounts. Julia Pascal has taken on a challenging topic and has more than met the challenge with gritty dialogue and all too human characters. This one is guaranteed to spark debate, but hopefully in a civilized and constructive manner.

Jessica Feder-Birnbaum takes a fascinating look at Jewish Orthodox tradition and generational change. Change, if it happens at all, may only come in small increments. Feder-Birnbaum does a terrific job of presenting the discussion not only in generational terms, but in terms of gender roles. A great short piece with three strong roles.

Breezy and airy as you might expect along the Maine shoreline. Vivian Lermond’s wordplay is absolutely delightful and makes these characters so appealing. It’s nice to find a story that shows new beginnings are possible even for the over 50 set. A pleasure to read and also a treat to listen to on the Broken Arts Entertainment podcast: https://youtu.be/p0LJFHjYMAI?si=8iPKqORQ4wIMf5si

I wish I had thought of this! Brilliant idea. Great setup. Perfect punchline. That’s how you deliver a joke and a perfect one-minute play!