Recommended by Brent Alles

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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.

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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.

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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!

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    Very fun premise and execution here. I say it's a much better version of a 1980's movie starring Andy Kaufman and Bernadette Peters. (I'm being vague here so as not to spoil Julie's surprise, but hey, if you feel like Googling, be my guest.) A fascinating examination of humanity through a very different lens. Enjoyable!

    Very fun premise and execution here. I say it's a much better version of a 1980's movie starring Andy Kaufman and Bernadette Peters. (I'm being vague here so as not to spoil Julie's surprise, but hey, if you feel like Googling, be my guest.) A fascinating examination of humanity through a very different lens. Enjoyable!

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    A lot of fun... something out of 80's or 90's cartoon sensibilities and yet some good lessons about how to be a good human. Or a good rat? You know what I mean. This should be a lot of fun for performers and audiences of all ages to see staged.

    A lot of fun... something out of 80's or 90's cartoon sensibilities and yet some good lessons about how to be a good human. Or a good rat? You know what I mean. This should be a lot of fun for performers and audiences of all ages to see staged.

  • Brent Alles: THE PEOPLE’S SHOE by Debra A. Cole
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    Another piece of lovely warmth from Deb Cole, as a funny situation has some surprising depth to it at the end. Fun piece for actors to play. This should fit in well to any festival that would have it!

    Another piece of lovely warmth from Deb Cole, as a funny situation has some surprising depth to it at the end. Fun piece for actors to play. This should fit in well to any festival that would have it!

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  • Brent Alles: ONE PHONE CALL (a ten minute play) by Marj O'Neill-Butler
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    One fascinating situation unravels through the course of this excellent ten-minute play. What I loved about this was the technique in using the dialogue to feint and jab, parry and dodge. It certainly builds up the intensity until you reach a climax that is earned and at the same time allows you as the reader/viewer to draw your own conclusions. This should be brilliant to see staged and provides some meaty roles for actors to sink their teeth into. They won't be phoning it in, to be sure.

    One fascinating situation unravels through the course of this excellent ten-minute play. What I loved about this was the technique in using the dialogue to feint and jab, parry and dodge. It certainly builds up the intensity until you reach a climax that is earned and at the same time allows you as the reader/viewer to draw your own conclusions. This should be brilliant to see staged and provides some meaty roles for actors to sink their teeth into. They won't be phoning it in, to be sure.

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  • Brent Alles: Whale Hater: A New Musical by Christopher Soucy
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    "Whale Hater" is a whale of a good time. Any production of this should make a splash, delivering waves of laughter while showcasing an orca-strated blend of creativity and talent. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an evening of krill-er entertainment. (I hope the writer doesn't harbor some porpoise-ful resentment for this recommendation.)

    "Whale Hater" is a whale of a good time. Any production of this should make a splash, delivering waves of laughter while showcasing an orca-strated blend of creativity and talent. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an evening of krill-er entertainment. (I hope the writer doesn't harbor some porpoise-ful resentment for this recommendation.)

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  • Brent Alles: This Office is Permanently Closed by Mathew Green
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    Oh, very well done, Green. I have to admit I enjoyed the play from the start, but I certainly didn't know where it was going. Which made the ending even more enjoyable when it happens. Give it a read (or, better yet, a performance) and you'll see what I mean. Enjoyable dark comedy!

    Oh, very well done, Green. I have to admit I enjoyed the play from the start, but I certainly didn't know where it was going. Which made the ending even more enjoyable when it happens. Give it a read (or, better yet, a performance) and you'll see what I mean. Enjoyable dark comedy!

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  • Brent Alles: Summer Camp Carnage: 1989 by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
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    Oh man was this a lot of fun. Sure, it's in my wheelhouse of 80's slashers, but there is so much entertaining wordplay, puns, and jokes in here that it's bound to keep audiences on their feet and hooting in laughter. You need to book this for your group so that they can have great joy being immersed in it!

    Oh man was this a lot of fun. Sure, it's in my wheelhouse of 80's slashers, but there is so much entertaining wordplay, puns, and jokes in here that it's bound to keep audiences on their feet and hooting in laughter. You need to book this for your group so that they can have great joy being immersed in it!

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