Recommended by Morey Norkin

This is a sweet resolution to Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn’s BACKYARD STONEHENGE. The focus is on the relationship between elderly neighbor and her nephew, who is also her caretaker. Caring for the elderly can be a challenge when it seems that they can’t see beyond their own needs. But these two manage to come to an understanding. And Stonehenge is returned to its rightful owner. A feel good ending all around!

This beautiful monologue is practically poetic in substance and style. An owl, any of us really, opens its eyes to its own negative impact on the world. But change is hard and lonely. And if others are unwilling, what can we do? Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn’s Owl’s response is painfully recognizable. I hope this monologue finds a large audience so it can be a catalyst for positive change.

I remember playing tag as a child, and being “it” meant trying to catch at least one other kid before they all made it to the safe spot. In Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn’s eerie short play, safety is uncertain and being “it” takes on a whole new, scary meaning. No ages are specified for the characters, making the interpretations of this play practically limitless. I shiver just writing this recommendation!

Showing up for our loved ones takes little effort, yet the payoff can be immense. Bram Hartman shows us two dads in different stages of loss, different perspectives on life and parenting, but both showing up for their kids’ soccer match. The dialogue is natural and leads convincingly to a heartwarming conclusion. Two great roles, simple staging, perfect for any festival.

From the character list, I was sure I knew where this was going. And a couple of pages in, with Jacquie Floyd Priskorn’s brilliant comic banter, I was convinced. Then Wes came back. This play had a production in 2008. Fifteen years later and the Wes’s of the world are at it again! CUPID is as relevant and important today as ever. Love is love!

Hamlet is a hit! But the playwright, not the guy you probably studied in school, is kind of PO'd that Shakespeare is getting all the credit! A deal is a deal as we learn, but Shakespeare and company find a way for Edward de Vere (Ed) to anonymously enjoy the kudos from the crowd. What could be better than that?! Jennifer O'Grady, through the "Will, Kempe & Ed" series, shows not only her obvious love for Shakespeare, but her joy at all things related to making theater! What a great evening of theater this entire series provides!

Director Shakespeare has some trouble blocking the balcony scene because of his attraction to Romeo, played by Richard Burbage. Kempe and Ed recognizing the situation, improvise a plan to get Will focused again. Quite funny and adorable! This is the fourth in Jennifer O'Grady's wonderful series of "Will, Kempe & Ed" plays. You don't want to miss any of them!

Ed, or Edward de Vere, the mastermind behind Shakespeare's plays, takes out his frustration with the Queen missing his birthday by writing some pretty harsh stuff in a script. The troupe has to get hold of it before it's delivered to Her Majesty! Another funny installment in the "Will, Kempe & Ed" series, but with some serious introspection regarding the sacrifices (or excuses) often made for pursuing a life in the theater. Well done!

This delightfully funny installment in the "Will, Kempe & Ed" series provides a hilarious backstory on how Bottom's ears came to be! The dialogue could be from any theatre troupe today, which only adds to the comedy. Jennifer O'Grady has come up with a brilliant idea with this series of short Shakespearean spoofs!

A very clever look at who may have really been the genius behind Shakespeare's plays. This is the first in Jennifer O'Grady's series of delightful riffs on The Lord Chamberlain's Men, with Will Shakespeare in a decidedly different role. The interactions between Shakespeare, Will Kempe, and Edward (Ed) De Vere provide lots of laughs, as well as a fun way to introduce Shakespeare to young audiences. This play is the perfect kickoff to an excellent series!