Recommended by James Perry

Hillary DePiano masterfully intertwines the classic narrative of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" with an inventive second act that gives voice to the spirit of Lenore. This act elevates the narrative, providing a fresh perspective and an emotional depth that enriches the original story.

A mysterious concierge at an ethereal hotel symbolizing the existential struggle between life and death. Despite its brevity, this play packs in a lot of depth and emotion, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the tenuous boundary between the past and present.

A delightful dance of expectations and realizations between a loving couple trying to live their lives authentically, untethered by societal clichés.

Pringles, by Janet Meyer-Jackman, revolves around three friends taking a break from Christmas shopping to sit on a bench and chat. The play explores their personal lives and struggles, including Trudy's impending sixth child, Betsy's recent discovery of her husband's homosexuality and their subsequent divorce, and Amber's carefree attitude as a divorcee. This moving narrative highlights the importance of friendship and navigating life's unexpected turns, while also imparting an innovative strategy for circumventing open container laws.

Next Stop Utopia, by Christopher Soucy, is a thrilling mix of tension, idealism, and realism that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Stephen envisions a fair and equitable society where individuals are rewarded for their personal contributions to the greater good. Unfortunately, this vision conflicts with those of the wealthy elite who benefit from the economic systems currently in place. Is there any hope for the future?

I recently had the pleasure of reading All the Pretty Colorful Bottles Under the Sink by Hannah Lee DeFrates, and I must say, it is a truly remarkable piece of theatre. The narrative revolves around Audrey, who is haunted by a tragic event that she is struggling to accept. The repetitive, cyclical nature of the conversation effectively conveys the feeling of being trapped in a moment of time. The message in this haunting piece will linger long after the final lines.

A brilliant play that humorously critiques the traditional roles of superheroes and their sidekicks. Gravel Girl’s demand for equality and recognition underscores the feminist theme, making her evolution from a sidelined sidekick to a powerful, assertive character particularly compelling. Her complaints about her lack of salary, benefits, and respect reflect broader issues of wage gaps and workplace inequality, providing a thought-provoking social commentary wrapped in humor. Moran’s ability to balance comedy with critical themes makes this a standout piece, offering a hilarious and insightful take on feminism and the wage gap, cleverly disguised as a superhero comedy.

Snapshot, by Jaxson Mackling, is an interesting dark comedy featuring lively dialogue and a unique conclusion. The play's exploration of unconventional relationships and moral ambiguity is commendable. While some narrative elements might invite further clarity, this could provide an opportunity for creative interpretation by directors and actors. Mackling’s bold approach to blending tension and humor ensures a memorable experience.

‘The Reunion’ is a deeply moving play that examines how people cope with loss and change. Colette Marie Murphy's skillful intertwining of past and present, along with the complex characterization of Cal and Wiz/Izzy, creates a rich tapestry that explores the enduring power of friendship and memory in the face of an uncertain future.

James C. Ferguson's 'Class Reunion' is a delightful comedic romp through the pitfalls of revisiting the glory days of high school. With clever dialogue and endearing awkwardness, the play expertly navigates nostalgia, regret, and the absurdity of aging. It is a humorous reminder that life's journey may not turn out as planned, but laughter can make the detours worthwhile.