Recommended by Morey Norkin

Installment 3 of the A Fragile Mind series finds us at Tammy’s workplace, an accounting firm. But as in the previous installments, things are not exactly as they seem. Genial co-workers morph into minders managing Tammy’s memory and identity all while she fights the fatigue of constant flashbacks. I’m not sure how this series can provide any more chills, but with Joe Swenson in charge, no doubt things are only just beginning to get intense!

Installment 2 of the A Fragile Mind series feels more like we’re in the real world with a seemingly normal therapy session. Or are we? And is it? Tammy, if that’s who she is, is having a recurring nightmare that was described in Installment 1. Kelli, the therapist, shows an attraction to Tammy that is unethical at best and perhaps somewhat sinister. Or could she turn out to be on Tammy’s side? And just who is on the other side and what do they want?! I can’t wait to find out!

In this first in a series, Joe Swenson takes us to an otherworldly environment with a Twilight Zone-y, Outer Limits-y vibe, but uniquely Swenson-y! Protagonist Jenny may be in a hospital, a spa, or a reeducation facility populated by reassuring or creepy AI beings. The suspense is palpable. There are 8 more installments. I don’t know where this is headed. I expect it will be pretty frightening, but I trust Joe Swenson to make the journey worthwhile! Stay tuned!

I’ve said this before and it bears repeating, Rachel Feeny-Williams is a master of the crime/mystery genre! In FAITH, TRUST AND… she takes the beloved characters from Peter Pan and places them in a Noir-ish, grungy, drug infested Neverland. It’s up to Detective JM Barry to sort out the latest nefarious goings on. Rachel smartly resists the urge to be campy or corny and instead serves up a truly thrilling mystery. Genius!

Christopher Plumridge told me this was his “silliest” play to date. But rather than being filled with silliness, I found it full of hilarity, merriment, and charm! A clever premise (Santa on trial for encroaching on October), wonderful puns (a defense attorney named Ivana Letimov), and a satisfying ending sure to melt the heart of any Grinch. The perfect Christmas present for audiences of all ages!

Deb Cole does not hold her punches, and in BUCKING THE CIS-TEM she lands a powerful roundhouse! This play provides an important lesson in understanding and accepting individual gender identity and pronouns. And it does so in a thoroughly entertaining way! I would love to see this play incorporated into teacher in-service training!

A very funny short piece about a match made in… someplace! FEELING DEVILISH introduces the demon lawyer of Tinder. Could a musical be in store? One can only hope! Great fun, packed with laughs!

Eric Pfeffinger pulls you in from the very first line and holds your interest throughout this engaging and thoughtful comedy that examines the political divide and whether anything can bridge the gap. Well-defined characters, brilliant dialogue, and instantly recognizable political discussion that asks whether we can at least see “the other side“ as human. Sure to result in some lively post-show conversation. It’s time for this play to be produced again!

If you like clever word play, and I certainly do, then you must read/produce The Prince’s Richard! Jarred Corona keeps the puns and laughs coming, all while skewering conservative TV “news.” Love it!

Jillian Blevins uses a current, bizarre anti-Semitic conspiracy theory to provide an insightful discussion of what it means to be a Jew and who gets to decide. And the truth that the two characters, and all of us, must face is that those who would do us harm have no interest in making distinctions. So how do we respond to an existential threat? That is the question at the heart of this thought provoking and timely work. This play deserves to be produced soon and often.