Recommended by Morey Norkin

Rey Dabalsa’s THE ANNIVERSARY SURPRISE is a comedy gem! A daughter wants to surprise her parents for their 40th anniversary, but the parents have a surprise of their own. It’s the fractured relationship between the parents, Margie and Gus, that provides the most laughs while also exposing the grievances, small or large, that can build up during any long-term relationship. The dialogue is crisp and clever filled with many laugh out loud lines. A great ensemble piece that would be a joy to see on stage!

The crazy conclusion (or is it?) to the Justin Thyme series does not disappoint. The word play that we’ve come to expect and enjoy is in great form. Add to that the physical comedy of an Uber driver and three passengers in a compact car guided by a chatty Siri, and you’ve got something reminiscent of the Marx Brothers. Each component of this series can stand on its own, but what a fun theatrical event to present them all together! I hope that happens!

The situation and character names actually get funnier in this second installment following CIA agent Justin Thyme. Onboard a train in France, we have a Russian arms dealer/male model, a budget conscious French operative, and a train conductor who doesn’t speak French. The first new character name took me by such surprise that I almost wet myself! I know that sounds like too much information, but you’ll understand when you read it. And you should!

I needed a good laugh and I found this play JUSTIN THYME. The CIA meets the TSA in this hilarious airport security misadventure. And this is just part one! I can’t wait to see what else Joe Swenson has in store!

The Passover Seder is a celebration filled with symbolism. And like a well-ordered Seder, AFIKOMAN is a story of emancipation, though on a very personal level, that beautifully captures the imagery of Passover. Leo, the middle child now adult is like the titular middle matzo, broken and hidden away. As with a Seder, this story relies on the youngest child to ask gentle, probing questions to understand the the meaning of events. Our hope is that Leo will be able to recline at the table free from past troubles. Outstanding writing, well-conceived! Someone please stage this!

A truly funny take on the idea of a son bringing home his new “partner” to meet the folks. The parents, especially the father, have expectations that will be challenged to great comic effect. This play would be a real treat to see on stage!

Chilling! Rachel Feeny-Williams does a masterful job of building the suspense in this crime drama. Lisa’s younger brother shows up in the middle of the night with a story that changes within moments. Enter a detective with another twist on the story. Will Lisa protect her brother as he protected her in the past? I’m not telling!

Other than my own birth, my experience in the realm of childbirth is severely limited. And yet Marj O’Neill-Butler managed to completely captivate me with this lovely story of two strangers waiting for two different births. In a mere 10 minutes, the two share confidences, fears, and hopes and develop a friendship that should last a lifetime. The dialogue is completely natural and clever, and as the story unfolds we care deeply about these two characters and even the unseen mothers and newborns. A story with universal appeal that deserves a wide audience.

You may think you already know all there is to know about a kvetching Jewish mother laying a guilt trip on her adult son. But John Busser doesn’t deal in clichés. The jokes are fresh and laugh out loud funny! And the plot twist and resolution make for a completely fresh and enjoyable show! This play needs to be resurrected and put on stage now!

He’s back! With his penchant for alliteration on full display, our fanged furry friend finds himself in exactly the right place at the right time. The Bear is the hero the world needs now! Welcome back!