Recommended by Morey Norkin

Misao McGregor weaves a beautiful tale of generations of women searching for their dreams but restrained by culture - first in their native Japan and then as immigrants to America. The desire, and in some cases the pressure, to maintain traditional values, poses unique challenges along generational lines. Highly theatrical, almost ethereal like the central character’s namesake, Hotaru (firefly). I hope this lovely play finds its way to the stage where it can shine.

Sweet, sad, and ultimately hopeful. This lovely short play from Claudia Haas in a sense turns the fairytale of a magical kiss on its head. No, there’s no prince or princess, but a first kiss from a long ago crush awakens something in Eva. The desire to finally discover herself. A beautiful piece for two actors and a pleasure for audiences lucky enough to see it.

A stranger on a bench who knows too much and has a phone that can do amazing things. Who could resist the opportunity to make things right in their life and settle old scores? Darrin Friedman presents this scenario and question in brilliant comic fashion. Revenge can be sweet. Of course, as they say, the devil is in the details. I would absolutely love to see this one on stage!

I would hate to over analyze, so I will simply state this play is brilliant and clever. Art is meant to be shared, and once that occurs, the artist has no control over how others will interpret it. That’s the beauty of art. That doesn’t mean an artist has to listen to an annoying presence like Sigmund Freud. This really needs to be produced!

I miss TCM, but with LOST STARLET, Scott Sickles provides the next best thing, or maybe even does them one better! This mockumentary provides a hilarious retrospective of two Hollywood legends. The flashbacks to their early films are so corny you can’t be sure if they’re made up or not. Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson, if you really want to save TCM, please consider adapting this now!

Don Baker takes us back to Indiana in 1880 through the recollection of Sheriff Gus Lemcke. Baker provides a vivid picture of that era through the authentic language of this monologue. The story of this White sheriff protecting a Black prisoner from an angry White mob is compelling and frightening knowing how it could have turned out. Another excellent example of Baker shining a spotlight on injustice and those willing to stand against it.

Alexa Schoffel has the bro banter down to a T! Which bro will finally give in and go get the TV remote? The bribes that are offered had me laughing out loud! Perfect for a short play festival!

Oh, what absolute fun! Rachel Feeny-Williams has created a perfectly structured farce with a set that relies on two camping trailers. Timing is everything, and the timing for the characters to overhear bits of conversation out of context or witness something that isn’t what it seems is hysterical! All of the wrong conclusions these delightful characters reach come to a chaotic conclusion that will leave audiences exhausted from laughter. Where can I see this?!

I am clearly from a different generation, but if this is the direction that parent-child relationships are headed, I feel much better about the future! What a sweet, amusing, and unexpected conversation between mother and college-bound daughter. A very open discussion yet with clearly defined and respected boundaries. Debra Cole has a gift for presenting real life experiences that entertain and encourage discussion. Oh, there will be discussions!

Is it true?! The Bear finale?! Say it isn’t so! But if it must be, this is the way to do it! Ian Fleming, move over! There’s a new agent in town and teddies galore. Chris Plumridge mines every possible James Bond joke as he takes on The Bear’s greatest challenge yet. But this adventure, for all its fun and laughter, is also a sentimental journey that will touch your heart. You MUST read the previous nine episodes first. No cheating! You will be so glad you did!