Recommended by DC Cathro

  • Likeminded Thoughts on the Nature of Permanence
    26 Sep. 2020
    Sickles can pack so much into just a few lines. This short is chock full of fun and drama, reminiscent of the classic film comedies. It’s not easy to get fully realized characters in 2 pages, but Sickles nails it.
  • Triple Word Score
    23 Sep. 2020
    A surreal beginning careens into a conflict of what may or may not be love, with a punch-in-the-gut twist thrown in for good measure. A roller coaster of a short play, hard and emotionally full of range for two actors to sink their teeth into.
  • Not Exactly a Lullaby (a monologue) (Playing on the Periphery #4)
    23 Sep. 2020
    Childhood is a minefield, and Sickles captures a quiet, terrible moment of regret and pain and fear perfectly. Because of his actions, Robert only has one Person left to confess to and this moment is portrayed with heartbreaking vulnerability. So, so sweet and sad.
  • Blanche in a Wheelchair
    23 Sep. 2020
    A dark comedy, a drama tempered with pratfalls, and you’ll recognize this kind of relationship. Ted and Danny bicker in a way that says true love. Reminiscent of old “buddy comedies” but with a dash of camp and real heart.
  • Puppers [a monologue]
    22 Sep. 2020
    Less a play, more an energetic poem! A delightful foray into the mind of a simple beast, and one I find myself envious of these days. Hey Steve, this would also make for a pretty great children’s book. Wonderful fun!
  • Camp Killspree
    8 Sep. 2020
    Ridiculously campy, bloody, catty, funny, and gay! This romp through the pop-culture pantheon of horror movies with a queer twist is twisted indeed. Hilarious cliches, one-liners, and action throughout. Leave Mama at home for this one! Super funny and (did I mention) super gay?
  • And the Wisdom to Know the Difference
    8 Sep. 2020
    A powerful piece rich in history and the complicated relationship between a father and son. Williams has a way with dialogue that is so natural when using humor to diffuse tense situations. Especially poignant to anyone familiar with the 12-Step programs, but still accessible.
  • Antagonism, or, Some People Like to P*ss in the Pool [a 1-minute play]
    8 Sep. 2020
    A pointed statement about “to each their own” wrapped up in a short and sweet bow. This micro-play has shades of Chicago’s Neo-Futurists, which is a huge compliment. Visual, full of action, emotional... all in one minute. Quite a feat, and one Martin excels at.
  • The Object is to Prevent Moisture (Playing on the Periphery #5)
    8 Sep. 2020
    Scott Sickles writes so visually, so emotionally, and so vividly. He paints beautiful pictures with his words, and you can feel every bit of anger, angst, compassion, betrayal, and forgiveness. In just a few pages, a few lines, you know these kids as real humans in a world that doesn’t get them. Lovely stuff in here.
  • A Light in the Dark
    8 Sep. 2020
    Surprisingly moving and emotional, whether you are religious or not. Peter’s desperation makes for some wonderful conflict and a nice contrast to Jesus. Intimate and intriguing, sad but ultimately uplifting.

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