Recommended by Morey Norkin

The setting, a terrace outside a disco overlooking the ocean, feels as much a character in this smart play as the two people. As an industrialist and attorney on opposite sides of an environmental legal battle meet, over-priced drinks in hand, Peru’s indigenous population is nothing more than a convenient legal ploy for one and practically nonexistent for the other. It takes the imminent threat of a pandemic to make clear our connectedness. Scott Sickles does a brilliant job of creating an atmosphere and characters that tell a compelling story.

Two knights and a dragon named Neil. As soon as you get that far, you know you’re in for some crazy good fun! And Brent Alles delivers the goods! Double entendres galore and, I’ll say it again, a dragon named Neil. A visual and verbal laugh fest!

What a delightful comedic look at the afterlife! To be greeted by a hilarious Deathbot and given the chance to play G.O.D. for an individual on earth sounds like something to be desired. Certainly the opportunity to see how it all plays out on stage is to be desired! Alexa Schoffel provides several laugh out loud moments along with the wonderful lesson that if we can have a positive impact on even one life, we have done good. Pure fun!

What an incredibly dark, riveting docudrama! Knowing this is based on actual events makes the nature of the crimes described even more disturbing. But as Marilyn Ollett so effectively shows us, it’s the effect these crimes have on the criminal’s own family that may go unreported yet may be as devastating as what the victims’ families face. A highly stylized piece, HIDDEN VICTIMS will certainly leave audiences talking, once they catch their breath.

I huffed and puffed and laughed out loud at this story of the origin of the Big Bad Wolf! Dana Hall satirizes so many aspects of today’s culture as mom and dad wolf try to cover for their son’s (the future Big Bad) conspicuous consumption. I swear by the hair on my chinny chin chin, audiences will howl with laughter at this one!

A reality TV ghost hunting program shows up unannounced at a coffee shop. Hilarity ensues as the over-the-top British host desperately tries to find signs of “ghosties.” As funny as the host is, my favorite character is the understated, deadpan cameraman. The kind of part I would love to do! Well, with Halloween fast approaching, I hope someone gets the chance. Cheers for COFFEE HOUSE BOOS!

America is a melting pot, but that doesn't mean everyone is welcome with open arms. Suspicions about "others" is still very much a part of the culture. The reaction of these young people to a stranger, maybe with difficulty communicating, is frightening. Engrossing theater with a very clear message!

George and Sally’s story is one of a lifetime of love. But like her seashells that are worn from years of weather and tides, Sally’s memories are fading. Joe Swenson, in this brief glimpse into this couple’s life, quietly and calmly shares their history, current challenges, and the inevitable loss ahead. The result is an emotional tidal wave that will affect you long after reading.

How do you harness the passion and creativity of playwrights for use in AI generated programming? Rachel Feeny-Williams explores this question in CREATIVELY EVOLVED, and provides a frighteningly literal answer. A terrific and shocking look at the present and future implications of putting profits ahead of people. With a storyline worthy of the best of The Twilight Zone, this play offers great suspense layered with important issues around the value we place on art and the people who make it. AI cannot possibly compete with Rachel Feeny-Williams!

Arts funding, whether for schools, community theaters, or regional theaters is considered more of a luxury in too many places rather than the necessity it truly is. Rachel Feeny-Williams demonstrates this beautifully by letting us feel part of the Mill Box Theatre and the wonderful folks who have called it home for so long. If you’re reading this, you probably know a place like the Mill Box. Chances are you started such a place. We need more Mill Boxes and folks to advocate for arts funding. To Theatre!