Recommended by Morey Norkin

Holy…! When the guy Christmas is named after has a hard time getting a job replacing Santa as the season’s messenger, you know something’s up. That would be a hilarious commentary on the commercialization of the holiday. Dan West’s clever piece delivers the laughs and the message in what should become a holiday classic.

How many other stories must there be like this, of women denied the recognition they deserved for their talent or achievements? Fanny Mendelssohn, older sister of Felix, was forced to adhere to societal norms for women likely exacerbated by her father’s concern because they were converts to Christianity. A compelling story told succinctly and deserving attention.

What an absolute delight! You might be tempted to find parallels between the dictatorial shenanigans at a condo association and current events, but I recommend you simply enjoy the quirky characters and constant laughs. I also recommend you avoid wearing titanium underwear. I would love to see this staged, and the setting and characters lend themselves to further development as a long-running TV sitcom. Enjoy!

I want this to be true! What could be more comforting than knowing that your pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge are thinking about you as much as you are thinking about them? Thank you, Matthew Weaver!

An absentee father pays an unexpected visit to his adult daughter, and, as you might guess, the reception is cool. But Rachel Feeny-Williams brings these characters to life in non-stereotypical fashion, as the father’s backstory is revealed. You might just find yourself a little choked up by the end. RFW scores a TKO!

I’m hooked! A perfect parody! Actually two parodies in one. Please produce!

Emma Goldman-Sherman presents us with a family so dysfunctional you might feel guilty for laughing, but sometimes you can’t help yourself. And that seems to be the case with these characters. They can’t help being who they are because they don’t understand themselves or each other. But as we move forward in time, at least one of them has come to recognize themselves and find acceptance. This play presents a tremendous opportunity for neurodivergent people to perform or see their stories told and for others to become more aware. Game, set, and match.

There’s no doubt that Isaac and Bascom belong together. They understand each other perfectly. In ways that others likely don’t. Whether it’s Isaac’s Asian-influenced compulsion to excel at everything or Bascom’s willingness to go along to get along in bed, or their shared ADHD, they communicate about everything. It can be hard to follow, comically so, but eventually they reach the point of understanding. And affection. Another winning story for these two.

What brilliant use of a gifted title! Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend scores multiple goals (something you rarely see in a soccer match) in this hilarious look at a truly beautiful friendship. When two people share the same hallucination you know that’s an unbreakable bond. What a joy!

A monologue or a poem. I’d call it a poetic monologue. The soaring language and imagery can’t be confined to the stage. Beautiful.