Recommended by James Perry

This piece is a dark comedy that blends existential musings with a supernatural twist. With dry wit, Death defies the Grim Reaper stereotype, revealing truths about mortality and human nature. A bureaucratic blunder provides the play’s resolution, while the déjà vu motif elegantly reinforces the revolving nature of life. Brandon’s play features authentic characters and playful theatrical moments—like Death summoning ominous music with a snap—which make “The Corner Bar” captivating and compelling, all culminating in a cleverly crafted conclusion.

This is an enjoyable one-act comedy with memorable characters and a humorous take on the upper class's obsession with possessions as a marker of worth. Dan McGeehan uses clever dialogue and an absurd situation to deliver a biting critique on materialism, social status, and the lengths people will go to maintain appearances.

Julie Weinberg shines in her ability to create authentic characters with relatable struggles. This play’s exploration of pandemic-induced isolation and its impact on relationships is both timely and resonant.

“Kirschgarten” is a nuanced family drama set in the taproom of a struggling craft brewery. The brewery’s hardship mirrors the broader societal challenges faced by many small businesses in this post-pandemic era. Nelson’s richly drawn characters cling to the idea of saving the brewery, even as they acknowledge its inevitable decline. This tension between hope and resignation is one of the play’s most powerful undercurrents. While the comparison to “The Cherry Orchard” is unmistakable, “Kirschgarten” holds its own as a uniquely modern exploration of loss and resilience.

In this play, Ian Thal blends whimsical absurdity with existential musings, presenting a philosophical exploration from the perspective of two cats and their human. The cats, Omi and Parvati, are richly developed characters whose contrasting personalities drive the play’s action and humor. This piece is sure to resonate with both casual theatergoers and those who seek intellectual engagement.

“Berzerkergäng” is a daring and inventive reimagining of timeless myths set against a modern backdrop. The play incorporates sharp satire, particularly in its portrayal of Valhalla as a corporate enterprise spearheaded by architectural giants. With focused direction and thoughtful staging, this play has the potential to resonate deeply with audiences, both as a celebration of myth and as a critique of contemporary society.

Beneath an imaginative science fiction exterior, themes of cultural preservation and human resilience are revealed. Brandt embraces the campiness of sci-fi while grounding her characters in authentic emotional realism. The dialogue is quick and comical, with moments of heartfelt sincerity, and the romantic tension between the crew members is absolutely adorable. With its vibrant characters and compelling narrative, this play promises a thoroughly delightful experience.

If only all of life’s trivial problems could be solved by simply summoning a demon. This amusing script proposes just that. “Traffic Witch” is a charming and absurd comedy poking fun at bureaucracy and the frustrations of modern life.

This clever farce touches on the ethics of using power and the consequences of making decisions without fully considering their impact. The situation may be outlandish, but the emotional core is deeply human. Feelings of guilt, regret, and the fear of disappointing loved ones are all universally relatable. I am also a big fan of any script that attempts to incorporate live animals onstage. Brava.

This play is set in a mysterious facility where patients undergo a therapeutic procedure to heal from past trauma. The prevailing theme revolves around the processing of grief, with an underlying commentary on experimental therapy and its ethical ambiguities. Serena Norr masterfully merges absurdist humor with psychological drama to create a truly striking piece of contemporary theatre.