Recommended by Morey Norkin

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!

A frank discussion between two best friends about relationship issues unfolds in an eye opening yet logical manner. By the end of the conversation, Sophie has addressed every possible outcome without judging, and Lily seems to have a better handle on the future of her current romantic relationship, including the consequences of ending it. Well written as one expects in a Paul Donnelly play. A great play for two female actors, and a mini therapy session to boot!

VENUS NEEDS MEN but not for the reasons you might think. And of all the men available on Earth, the women of Venus choose poor clueless Lucas. This play is hilarious not only as a sci-fi parody, but for all the truisms about community theater. It’s hysterical to think that community theater on Venus is exactly the same as it is on Earth! I am now a Greg Mandryk fan!

This play appears to be the original source for Melissa Milich’s other Vietnam War related short, PHIL GRUNENWALD’S KID. Interesting and amusing background to that story is provided here. Enjoyable and sweet as it is, Milich also has ample opportunity to expand this story of a love triangle with unexpected outcomes. Since Milich indicates she is working on revising this play, I look forward to learning more about these interesting characters.

The ability to write words and place them in a certain order so as to elicit vocalizations associated with merriment is a talent greatly possessed by John Busser! I don’t think anyone is funnier. Fortunately for us, John didn’t grow up to become a lawyer. Now I need to read Mr. Mandryk to get the full effect.

Sending a virtual high five to Sam Heyman for this brilliant lampooning of the short play festival obsession with world premieres! I think every short play festival should begin with TARGET AUDIENCE. If not, I may sue!