Recommended by Morey Norkin

This is so cool! Like finding a lost episode of The Twilight Zone. When it becomes clear what the Applicant is applying for, I immediately had the same thought as the Monitor. But Kyle Walker took us in a more humane and relatable direction. I may quibble about the best game 7 in World Series history, but otherwise this is perfection.

Such a sweet story, but not candy cane sweet or cheesy. Just very relatable as a father and adult daughter deal with loss at Christmas. The hopeful feeling that these two will write a new chapter together, both literally and figuratively, is a wonderful gift in itself.

John Patrick Bray has created a new sub genre of Western, the City Cowboy Opera, and it is a doozy. Cultures clash, backgrounds are challenged, and guns are drawn. And it’s hilarious and oddly poignant. A must read!

Light, warmth, and a bit of snark! The perfect ingredients for the perfect holiday treat. I’m hoping Ash and Spark will continue to delight us for years to come. Thank you for this gift, Deb Cole!

Yes, this is a story about dementia. But more than that it is a story about family. And what a beautiful family it is. The closeness of the three generations presented feels real and welcoming. This is the kind of story that makes you want to hug those closest to you. The perfect remedy for a chilly winter day.

Stress, grief, torment, regret, guilt. All of these seem to be haunting the narrator in this gripping monologue of a son trying to explain the death of his mother. But there’s a manic quality to his story that makes us question its veracity. Hold on tight or you might fall off the edge of your seat!

As with Paul Smith’s other bench plays, misdirection is central to A BREAK. The atmosphere is tense, bordering on frightening for almost the entire piece. And then the unexpected yet believable turn, handled by a master. I may have to read this again to see if I can pick up clues. I suggest you read this and Smith’s entire collection of bench plays.

Funny and creepy and creepily funny. The vivid image of Jeremy seared into my brain has me laughing and also wanting to hide. Marshall Logan Gibbs has created what should become a holiday classic!

Compassion and empathy are hallmarks of Darrin Friedman’s writing. And GAMEPLAY is a perfect example. Here, a grandfather and grandson find a way to communicate that shows mutual respect for the challenges they each face. I learned something about neurodivergence and gaming while also being moved by this heartwarming story. I hope you will too.

Such a delight! Rachel Feeny-Williams gives life to an entertaining assortment of inanimate objects that maintain very human relationships. And as the objects eventually work together to support each other, the tranquility of having everything in its place settles in. Even for the unseen owners. Such wonderful opportunities for creative staging and design. I hope it happens!