Recommended by Morey Norkin

It’s almost like Doris is having a nightmare, that’s how bad certain aspects of the 1960s were. Melissa Milich focuses on a strange change in the draft during the Vietnam War that forced many couples to play beat the clock to get a marriage deferment. Through clever rhyming and an enthusiastic Greek chorus of Go-Go Girls, Milich pokes fun at anti-feminist views and America’s changing views toward military service. I would love to see how this works on stage and be part of an audience getting caught up in the rhythmic pace.

Briefs encountered, indeed! And quite a few boxers, too, I suppose! This one will easily get audiences laughing. A great way to kick off any festival of shorts (or briefs, if you prefer).

It may be difficult to eat the leaves from the upper boughs because of… short neck, or pick the lower leaves because of… small arms, but the opportunities for chewing scenery are endless in this Jurassic melodrama. A tale (one with spikes) of love, jealousy, and villainy that you don’t need to be a paleontologist to enjoy. I would love to see this on stage for the costumes alone because I’m already sold on Evan Braughfman’s clever script. Pure fun!

An extremely difficult subject handled with great skill and compassion. Vince Gatton presents us with a character who sees her life as a series of tragedies harming those closest to her. The horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are woven in respectfully and help to provide, along with support from a surprising source, some badly needed perspective. This is a powerful work, and my words don’t do it justice. Please read it.

Set in 1966, DO NOT REMOVE THE LABEL is, in many ways I wish weren’t true, relevant to today’s political climate. There is a lot of terrific comedy, with the removal of a label from a sofa reaching absurd heights of criminal activity. But things take a sinister and actually quite unsettling turn. A highly effective cautionary tale that still managed to make me laugh and remember my mother’s brisket, latkes, and rugelach, which, if I’m honest, was a bit dry. Highly recommend!

A beautiful, humorous, and touching story of loss, love, deep friendship beyond the grave, modern Japanese culture, teaching English in Japan, Trivial Pursuit, and Star Trek Monopoly! Sounds like a lot, but it is all woven together wonderfully by Miz Hashimoto. With characters and relationships that draw you in instantly, THIS IS NOT A NOH PLAY would make for a great evening of theater.

When you enter a world created from Hannah Lee DeFrates’ imagination, you know you’re in for a treat. With echoes of her thrilling THE LAST SPIN CYCLE, a small band of plague doctors awaits their imminent escape from the Order. Silly games make way for sad remembrances and acts of heroism. The excitement builds to a breathtaking conclusion. I would love to see how a creative team translates this terrific piece from page to stage.

When we can’t seem to let go of the memory of someone we lost, are we clinging to that memory or is the memory an entity capable of controlling our emotions? In this deeply moving story from Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn, two parents struggle to move beyond their grief and guilt over losing a child and repair their marriage. Could painting a room be the answer? Beautifully written with wonderful possibilities for staging, including as a film for which it has already won numerous awards. Terrific work!

The Stillwell Agency has to be one of the best mystery franchises in literature! These two sisters, who enjoy relaxing over a cup of tea or indulging in a fine meal, always manage to pick up the clues that other investigators miss. Perhaps it’s intuition or just the way the two complement each other. Vivian Lermond has created an absolutely charming duo, and UNMASKED is a wonderful addition to their case files!

If you’ve ever made a purchase from Amazon, thought about it, or have only just heard of Amazon, this is a must read! Rich Rubin’s brilliant narrative of the inner workings of the internet behemoth comes across as an enlightening TED Talk, but so much better. If you didn’t know before, you’re bound to be surprised by what happens after you click to complete your order. Is an Amazon “fulfillment center” coming to your area? Read this before you apply for a job!