Recommended by Morey Norkin

Not surprising this play is so highly acclaimed. Arianna Rose has created a beautifully written, completely relatable, emotional family journey in just 10 minutes. I read this at the end of the o-bon season in Japan, when deceased family members return home. As a number 5, I can’t help but think my numbers 1, 2, and 3 wanted me to read this. I’m grateful.

Perhaps the quilting circle in Crazy Quilts is not a group you want to belong to if it will have you as a member. The criteria for admission is not something to be desired. Karen Fix Curry has created an amazing misdirection as the quaint tale of a quilting group morphs into something quite disturbing. An outstanding dark comedy, simple in its presentation, but with writing sharper than any quilting needle!

It’s Hanukkah, and a 30-something Jewish woman is visiting her widowed mother so she can introduce her new boyfriend. He’s not exactly of the background the mother had in mind, but she’s a kind, understanding soul after all. Bruce Karp manages to save perhaps the best surprise for last. A clever, tender look at generational differences and how we seek parental approval no matter our age. Anyone planning a holiday festival should give this play serious consideration!

Cole Hunter Dzubak has fashioned a lovely tribute to Richard “Dick” Trotta and his buddies, all members of the “Greatest Generation,” sharing a bond over what was certainly America’s pastime. Lifelong friendships forged in youth, whether over baseball, another sport, or some other common interest are a precious gift. And what a special gift to have that friendship shared in such a beautifully written script.

Perhaps Chris Plumridge has saved the best Bear installment for last (currently). This one had me laughing throughout. And it left me hoping that Chris has just Bear-ly begun to enchant us with this adorable hero. Read the entire series (it’s short)! Stage the entire series! Have a Bear festival!

A dark and stormy night, a temptress Teddy and you have the makings of Great Britain’s first (are there more?) Vampire Teddy Bear. Something tells me this Bear is still safe for hugging. Another fun installment from the exceedingly clever Chris Plumridge!

Poor Bear has been left all alone in a crib, and a shaft of sunlight is creeping up on his tiny foot! Of course Bear is a vampire, so this is a dangerous situation! Will some kind human come to the rescue? Chris Plumridge strikes gold in this second installment of the Bear monologues!

Having completed the existing series of Bear monologues, I can heartily recommend them all! But let me take each one in turn. This first episode (I’m hoping this will be a long-running series) is probably the most dramatic as it is set against a harrowing WWII backdrop. But the Bear, like all good Teddy Bears, is a calming influence and even manages to leave us with a laugh. From the imagination of Chris Plumridge, this Bear is truly a necessity!

Deb Cole pulls no punches in Stork Patrol as she shines a spotlight on the hypocrisy of the “pro-life” movement. Razor sharp commentary on the consequences of overturning Roe v Wade. Way to go, Deb!

Hilarious and more fact than fiction! In this clever short, Nora Louise Syran presents the Department of Motor Vehicles as a circle of Hell that even Satan can’t comprehend! Truly a story with universal appeal. Who doesn’t have a DMV horror story? In this case, it’s fun to see the Devil get his/her due! This play would be a welcome treat at any festival!