Recommended by Brent Alles

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    It's an excellent slice of life play about a family weathering a storm, but then the ending elevates it into a powerful examination of love's longevity. An effective snapshot indeed.

    It's an excellent slice of life play about a family weathering a storm, but then the ending elevates it into a powerful examination of love's longevity. An effective snapshot indeed.

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    There are a lot of interesting ideas in this play, and it definitely stands out as an experimental form that should intrigue audiences. Would definitely be something to see this staged. It gives much to directors to consider in terms of staging. Many ways to perform this, I would think, which gives the piece real versatility and availability in terms of 10-minute festivals. A good read, to say the least!

    There are a lot of interesting ideas in this play, and it definitely stands out as an experimental form that should intrigue audiences. Would definitely be something to see this staged. It gives much to directors to consider in terms of staging. Many ways to perform this, I would think, which gives the piece real versatility and availability in terms of 10-minute festivals. A good read, to say the least!

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    An interesting conversation here, and you're fascinated with the moral and ethical challenges that are explored. A good read from Levine that would definitely be interesting to see staged. Very good roles for performers!

    An interesting conversation here, and you're fascinated with the moral and ethical challenges that are explored. A good read from Levine that would definitely be interesting to see staged. Very good roles for performers!

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    As an admirer of Aly's work, I know by now that things are not often as they seem in the scenes she presents. So, as I'm reading, I'm of course enjoying her wonderful use of dialogue and creation of memorable characters, but I'm still waiting for the twist. And... she still shocks me at the end anyway. That's some pretty incredible technique, folks. You see that in this play in the many layers and levels, which is of course appropriate/applicable to the themes being explored. Masterful stuff.

    As an admirer of Aly's work, I know by now that things are not often as they seem in the scenes she presents. So, as I'm reading, I'm of course enjoying her wonderful use of dialogue and creation of memorable characters, but I'm still waiting for the twist. And... she still shocks me at the end anyway. That's some pretty incredible technique, folks. You see that in this play in the many layers and levels, which is of course appropriate/applicable to the themes being explored. Masterful stuff.

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    Brilliant concept laid out, and one is instantly drawn into this apocalyptic world. But then comes the shift in the later acts, and the work becomes something totally unexpected. The best speculative fiction often examines the future from the lens of what humanity is now and skews the reality accordingly. Heyman, with certainty, allows that examination in full. Complex emotions caused by the experience. A fascinating look at humanity: past, present, and possible future. Gripping material.

    Brilliant concept laid out, and one is instantly drawn into this apocalyptic world. But then comes the shift in the later acts, and the work becomes something totally unexpected. The best speculative fiction often examines the future from the lens of what humanity is now and skews the reality accordingly. Heyman, with certainty, allows that examination in full. Complex emotions caused by the experience. A fascinating look at humanity: past, present, and possible future. Gripping material.

  • Brent Alles: Things I Learned In Michigan by John Baughman
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    A fascinating one act. On the surface, a charming conversation between two charming characters. But the subtext... oh, the subtext. It got me to re-read to see if I could make further conclusions. I have, but the beauty of this piece is that we of course will all make our own conclusions on it. Wonderful aspect there, to be sure. Beyond that, as a Michigander myself, I'm always charmed by pieces that reference my beloved state. Baughman does us well in his story here. Read and stage, please.

    A fascinating one act. On the surface, a charming conversation between two charming characters. But the subtext... oh, the subtext. It got me to re-read to see if I could make further conclusions. I have, but the beauty of this piece is that we of course will all make our own conclusions on it. Wonderful aspect there, to be sure. Beyond that, as a Michigander myself, I'm always charmed by pieces that reference my beloved state. Baughman does us well in his story here. Read and stage, please.

    ”
  • Brent Alles: The Holding Cell by John Busser
    “

    An intense two hander that will keep you guessing the whole time. Busser builds the tension with master proficiency and the payoff at the end will leave you stunned. A powerful one act.

    An intense two hander that will keep you guessing the whole time. Busser builds the tension with master proficiency and the payoff at the end will leave you stunned. A powerful one act.

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  • Brent Alles: Erstwhile by Jennifer O'Grady
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    This ain't no disco and this ain't no foolin' around as O'Grady quickly weaves an all too possible "reality" that shines a muffled light on these dark times we find ourselves in. And yet, as the characters often point out, there is still hope. It's amazing that we can still find that in the bleakest of times, but we have that here. Wonderful world building, and an understandable escalation of tension as the play progresses. A challenging and rewarding piece in many ways.

    This ain't no disco and this ain't no foolin' around as O'Grady quickly weaves an all too possible "reality" that shines a muffled light on these dark times we find ourselves in. And yet, as the characters often point out, there is still hope. It's amazing that we can still find that in the bleakest of times, but we have that here. Wonderful world building, and an understandable escalation of tension as the play progresses. A challenging and rewarding piece in many ways.

    ”
  • Brent Alles: This is All Very Normal by Mathew Green
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    Oh wow, did this play have an impact on me. Green keeps the twists coming in this short piece, and you're lead through a gamut of emotions as you watch the narrative unfold. The ending was simply chilling and will sit with me for a while. Excellent short play that definitely fed my apocalypse-loving self well.

    Oh wow, did this play have an impact on me. Green keeps the twists coming in this short piece, and you're lead through a gamut of emotions as you watch the narrative unfold. The ending was simply chilling and will sit with me for a while. Excellent short play that definitely fed my apocalypse-loving self well.

    ”
  • Brent Alles: Red Riding Hood Noir by Rich Helms
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    Just when I thought you couldn't come up with a fresh angle on "Red", Helms surprises me with an intriguing noir take on the old fairy tale that is extremely engaging in its own right. Great technique in using the "old" mythology to set up a new mythos that was totally engrossing. On its own, this would be excellent to see staged as part of a short festival. But if it's perhaps expanded at some point into a larger work, I can't wait to see how the narrative is developed. Excellent!

    Just when I thought you couldn't come up with a fresh angle on "Red", Helms surprises me with an intriguing noir take on the old fairy tale that is extremely engaging in its own right. Great technique in using the "old" mythology to set up a new mythos that was totally engrossing. On its own, this would be excellent to see staged as part of a short festival. But if it's perhaps expanded at some point into a larger work, I can't wait to see how the narrative is developed. Excellent!

    ”