Recommended by James Perry

An amusing and satirical take on Cold War espionage. The dialogue is one of the standout features of this play. David Guaspari has expertly crafted a conversation filled with puns and double entendre that mostly revolve around the characters' unusual herb- and spice-related code names. This terse tale ultimately questions trust, loyalty, and the incredulous absurdity of these hapless characters’ circumstance.

Finding the beauty of humanity amidst the mundane. This play highlights how ordinary lives, often dismissed as boring or unremarkable, carry their own significance and worth. Monica Regan's perceptive writing and astute observation of character dynamics make this play an alluring exploration of everyday life.

‘Grocery List’ packs a powerful emotional punch. The central theme of this narrative is grief and how it can impact daily life. Charles’s struggle to find items in the grocery store parallels his larger struggle to navigate life without his loving wife. The play’s climax is both heartbreaking and cathartic, providing profound insight into the depths of Charles’s sorrow.

A young man grappling with severe depression and suicidal thoughts is confronted by a concerned neighbor. This intervention marks a crucial step toward recovery and connection. Nate Pace offers a raw and emotional glimpse into the lives of those struggling with mental health issues.

‘Not About Pretty’ is an emotionally charged play presenting a skillful examination of betrayal, resilience, and unexpected solidarity. In this narrative, two women bond over their mutual distaste for the recently deceased. What starts out as an uneasy confrontation, resolves in a tender and hopeful conclusion.

‘Annabelle Left,’ by Jason Grant, is an engrossing short play that succinctly captures a moment of crisis and the emotional fallout that follows. Grant's writing is both concise and evocative, drawing the audience into the psychological world of his characters. The ambiguous ending leaves lingering questions, adding a thought-provoking and impactful touch to the play.

‘Property,’ by Matthew Ethan Davis, provides an unflinching look at the realities of living and caring for someone with severe mental illness. The playwright’s poetic and surreal imagery captures Don’s intense emotional dependency and the heartbreaking toll it takes on his wife, Emily. The play concludes with a sense of unresolved tension that mirrors the unpredictable nature of their circumstances.

This is a thought-provoking and entertaining play that challenges traditional historical narratives and highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in academia and the arts.

‘The Last Boardwalk,’ by Kimberly Ridgeway, is a symphony of emotions that weaves together hope and despair, unveiling the resilience of the human spirit. The characters, each grappling with their own personal tragedies, find solace in the gentle embrace of mutual understanding. Their chance encounter becomes a glimmer of hope amid despair. Through impassioned dialogue, Ridgeway illuminates the depths of love and sacrifice, painting a vivid portrait of strength and grace in the face of adversity.

A masterful execution of anticipation and suspense that will leave the audience with a lingering sense of unease and curiosity as to the fate of these two misfortunate characters.