Recommended by Tom Jacobson

Lost in Time is deceptively serious and thoughtful. It starts off like a time-traveling romantic comedy—and although it is romantic and often funny—it transcends the genre by asking real questions about what makes a satisfyingly meaningful life. The refreshingly simple and plausible explanation of “how does time travel work” leaves the play room to explore more grounded human joys and sorrows. A sweet and moving show!

I felt like this play had been written specifically for me. I’m very interested in the unusual and little-known history of Oklahoma, and the play illuminates that in a powerfully personal way. A novelist’s serious and profound struggle contextualizing his own past is offset by hilarious glimpses of the charitable foundation world. The strained father/son dynamic is painfully real. And it reads like the wind!

A fascinating and effective blend of comedy and deep emotion, The Brothers Paranormal captivates with scary supernatural themes (and dynamite special effects) then flips to powerful themes of family and responsibility. Some cool twists and scary surprises that build on traditional horror tropes as well as cultural traditions. I admired the East West Players production a great deal. Smart, fun and a crowd-pleaser!

Laura Shamas illuminates a true and yet utterly surprising romantic episode during Oscar Wilde’s formative years. For Wilde fans, this painfully honest family history of genteel poverty explains so much about his later life and art. A joyful highlight is a boxing lesson that not only underscores Wilde’s bold response to bullies but also cleverly foreshadows his later run-in with the Marquess of Queensberry. Elegant, smart and heartfelt!

Howard Ho is a brilliant guy, and he takes us on a wild, theoretical and intellectual ride with Reset. The scientific thrust of the play supports profound emotional stakes as well, and a feeling of gleeful comic dread permeates the show (I saw the production at Moving Arts). The director, actors and designers clearly had a blast working in the futuristic milieu Ho creates, and I felt both moved and enlightened. Smart fun!

This comedy is over the top but very relatable, with issues of body positivity and heritage comingled in delightful ways. The bawdy humor is enhanced by fantasy elements (the main character is a cartoonist and her characters come to life), so there is much room to play (projections, crazy props, etc. if you want them). The scripts deals cleverly with stereotypes and audience expectations, surprising us with interesting twists. The resolution is satisfying and heartfelt, a real crowd-pleaser!

Another timely Ukraine play from Stephanie Satie! The devastating emotional choices faced by the characters are deeply engaging, and the political setting provides hope for America’s promise at a time when our own upheaval is reminiscent of the break up of the USSR. Tender and terrifying by turns.

Compelling, creepy and ultimately thrilling, The Changeling is a bold and honest metaphorical and metaphysical “how-not-to” on parenting. Wonderfully atmospheric with a strong sense of comic dread, the play challenges traditional relationships and parenting advice. The ending is a shocker yet deeply satisfying.

This adaptation is as elegant and moving as the original novel, but honed down to the essence of the devastating story that is as timely today as when it was written in 1905. I saw a reading where the reaction of one actor was so beautifully contextualized by the rest of the script that I cheered with a tear in my eye. For theatres that have audiences keen for the classics, this House of Mirth would be a particular treat!

This play is real heart-warmer, and so timely! The growing relationship between the two very different women illustrates for Americans that Ukraine is as diverse and conflicted as our own country, and that human connection is our only hope of salvation. I’ve read it and seen a public reading, and it’s powerfully moving! I wish the US Congress could see it!