Recommended by Morey Norkin

Who wouldn’t want an advocate like Gary? In this hard-hitting monologue, Gary isn’t taking crap from anyone when it comes to protecting his son. He’s aware of how others may judge him, and he can’t really forget things he has had to let go, but doing less for his son is not an option. There are no medals for being a parent, but for the Garys of the world, Darrin Friedman has given you this amazing gift.

What a great setup for an even greater turn of events! Annie and Meg are far from infirm, but if their adult children would be more comfortable with them living at the senior village… Two appropriately aged females will have a blast with this!

After hearing this play on a couple of podcasts, I finally got around to reading it. Now this play is stuck in my brain, playing tricks and haunting my dreams. In THEY’RE IN THERE, John Busser sets the funny aside and goes straight for the dark and unnerving. And with great success! Give it a read and a listen, if you dare!

Paul Smith brilliantly captures an aging actor’s lament about never landing that big role. The role he auditioned for time and again, memorized, and watched as others did injustice to it. There comes a time when we have to face certain facts. And this character has reached that time with a sense that he will make the best of it. This monologue gives an older actor the chance to show he still has a lot left in the tank. I wish I weren’t running on empty.

At what point does desperation turn to total defeat and then acceptance? Hat and Glasses have clearly reached that point as they engage in their nameless, mundane routine. That Daniel Prillaman’s dialogue makes this so humorous and compelling is an extraordinary achievement. The introduction of the aptly named Third Wheel changes the tone and turns up the tension. This is an absolutely fascinating character study that despite its unique setting is surprisingly relatable. Hope these characters find their way out of the pit and onto the stage.

A very clever, witty piece that looks at how centuries of art have influenced our view of gender roles. The anachronistic banter between Botticelli and Venus is lively and provides laughs and insight in equal measure. Sure to be a delight on stage.

In CHERRIES JUBILEE, Rand Higbee presents a modern fairy tale, and a hilarious one at that! What at first appears to be a simple and sweet marriage proposal becomes a tense challenge. What kind of challenge? Best not to dwell on that. Just dwell on the laughs and enjoy!

When you peel back the layers on this enjoyable short piece, you might find yourself crying from laughter. Allenworth Academy has the worst team name imaginable and yet it is weirdly appropriate. The laughs come as two very different students, aided by a patient teacher, try to come up with a new name. I’m sure high schools would get a kick out of this as would just about any short play festival. I would love to see the mascot make an appearance!

To be the new kid on the block, cell block that is, has to be unnerving. And Ken Love paints a frightening picture of the power dynamic between veteran prisoner, Vince, and the new kid, Stu. It’s a testament to Love’s writing that we experience the dissonance of knowing Stu deserves his punishment and also worrying about what’s in store for him. Well done!

When you’re laughing even before the first word is spoken, you know you’re in for a good time. This ribald contemporary take on Lysistrata is smart, funny, and outrageous. And it’s in verse! Dawn Branch is a genius!