Recommended by Morey Norkin

Whew! An absolute nail biter! And a tour de force for any actor playing Daniel. Told essentially through voicemail messages, first checking on a romantic interest who is late for a social gathering, then desperately trying to make contact during some sudden and frightening circumstances. Will Daniel reach Justin?! Is it already too late?! A horror/love story like no other! Keep your blood pressure medicine handy!

If you’re still looking for some holiday cheer, look no further! John Busser presents a hilarious noir vision of the seedier side of life at the North Pole. The poetic narration that holds the story together is simply inspired! I can imagine little elf families reading it to their little elf children as an annual tradition! Not only is this a fun read, but it makes for a brilliant radio play! You can catch it at Gather By The Ghost Light. Well done!

Samantha Marchant takes us on a wild ride into the afterlife where, courtesy of an Angel and a Devil, our souls are weighed to determine their final destination. This duo focuses on the last four acts before death. Thought provoking questions are raised about our legacies, faith, and fairness. A wonderful challenge is in store for the two actors playing the Angel and Devil as they play a host of different characters throughout. This would be quite spectacular to see staged!

I don’t know how Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn manages to get inside the adolescent mind of a 14-year-old boy/prince, but she does it perfectly and to great comic effect! Not sure what name this young prince goes by, but this monologue is absolutely charming!

Two doctors held prisoner in an old laundromat. Only the sounds of the washers and dryers to mark the passage of time. At first, the conversation doesn’t come easily. But then as one character becomes more willing to open up, the mood lightens, the two doctors seem to bond in a comical way, and then the dryer completes its cycle. A dark comedy filled with haunting imagery, witty dialogue, and a constant sense of foreboding. There should be at least 99 recommendations on Hannah Lee DeFrates’ wall for this excellent play!

I was already a fan of Alexandra Petri’s satirical column in the Washington Post, so I’m not surprised at how much I thoroughly enjoyed TRAGEDY AVERTED. As expected, the writing is intelligent, witty, and laugh out loud hilarious! A brilliant concept (Shakespeare’s tragic heroines at summer camp), completely engaging characters, and a story with real heart beneath the laughter. This is the only play from Petri available on NPX. Hopefully there will be more!

Hell yeah! This is one funny retelling of the story of creation. Jacob Horowitz has envisioned a very different Eden with Adam and his men and Eve and her ladies harvesting apples and oranges, respectively, and both sides separated by a wall. But what to make of a lone pear? The writing is very clever and often self-aware, which fully engages the reader/audience. Overall a wonderful commentary on the need to embrace our common humanity and build fewer walls.

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like a John Busser comedy! These children’s Christmas wish lists are hilarious and also in some instances quite moving. In all cases they prove the old adage, kids say the darndest things! And Austin/Astin, good for you, buddy!

A complex short play that looks at how the “other,” in this case a young Jewish man, is viewed by someone from outside the group (a young gentile woman). Questions are asked that may be too personal or too ignorant, with an underlying expectation that the “other” should conform to the “outsider’s” pre-conceived notions. As Jacob Horowitz shows here, this is not the formula for a successful relationship. Many questions are asked during this play, and the audience will no doubt be left with a lot to discuss. What more could you ask for? Well done!

At this time of year, we are often told ‘tis the season to be jolly or be of good cheer. In OUR HOUSE TO YOURS, Stella makes every effort to go above and beyond in the family holiday letter, all while being gently corrected by her husband, Dan. With this play, Debra Cole has given us a loving gift that brings warm smiles but also sends a message that we all can welcome at this time of year or any other. Thank you, Deb!