Recommended by Samara Siskind

I was fortunate enough to experience “Twelve Books” in person at the M1A Miami One-Acts Winter Session, and I’m so glad I did. Philip Middleton Williams has crafted a tender two-hander that richly and beautifully explores the connections between fathers and sons, the stories we share, and the stories we pass down. This play resonated with me deeply, as I own a collection of my father’s beloved books, books that I am still, and probably never will be able to part with.

Listen to Grandma, indeed. This one-minute gem is still haunting me. A compact exploration of how we may lose the magic of Christmas as we become adults only to regain it as elders.

"The Lingering Scent of Oranges" is a lovely, gratifying rendering of two sisters and the strict imprint their parents left behind. Steven G. Martin's beautifully crafted exchange made me reevaluate my tendency to overplan and save the "good stuff" for special occasions. I'm ready to renew my passport and break out my mother's good china for an impromptu tea party with my young daughter. Every day is special. Every day is a gift. Thank you, Steven.

I just don’t believe there’s a wrong way to do good.
What if you had a superpower that could ultimately heal the masses, but only one person at a time? Who do you choose? What are the repercussions? What a big cross to bear for Nicky. Aly Kantor has a gift for examining humanity with tender reflection, honesty and always sparkling wit. Tearjerker surprised me, made me laugh, and made me think. I love this couple's commitment to the world and each other while questioning what exactly it means to be good. Powerful message. Beautiful levity.

Vince Gatton's A Grove, Again is tender, poignant, and masterful, resonating in its simplicity. What begins as a simple activity eventually reveals so much more under the surface. I knew, understood, and wanted to embrace all three characters. How quickly a life/lives can change in an instant. . . even for the lucky ones.

"Dead Girls Club" is a play about magic. It's a play about trauma and death. But most of all, it's a play about sisterhood. Sarah Elizabeth Grace tackles this subject matter with a tender yet forcefully honest hand, balancing tension with humor and searing emotion through the eyes of six soulmates forged together by an unspeakable bond.

You say potato, I say Beren-Steen. This monologue made me laugh out loud and is the perfect piece for any parent/person who has ever puzzled over the proper pronunciation of this well-known children's book series. Added bonus - the book Lipschutz has Dad read is so spot on.

Dana Hall and David Lipshutz have co-authored a gorgeous play about saying goodbye, coming home, and embracing your true self. Infused with love, humor and hope, I imagine Saul carrying on the tradition, leaving checks for his future grandchildren to find someday.

David Lipshutz and Dana Hall have co-authored a gorgeous play about saying goodbye, coming home, and embracing your true self. Infused with love, humor and hope, I imagine Saul carrying on the tradition, leaving checks for his future grandchildren to find someday.

As a kid, I was always told, "If you believe, you receive." Once we stop believing, the holidays are never really the same, are they? There is something so endearing about Taylor, who could easily topple over into complete spoiled brat land, yet Greg Lam does a lovely job injecting her with a forgivable sense of childlike wonder and innocence. "The Santa Thing" is a complete charmer, sure to light up any holiday fest or short play festival.