Recommended by Brent Alles

Frost is not afraid to take on tough issues in this work, and it's a gripping account of what one family has to deal with throughout several lives. The variety of techniques used here to create this story - music, poetry, etc. - are all used well in terms of creating a tableau that's equally affecting and engaging. There are "worlds" displayed here that many of us often don't get to "visit," and so the work is important if only for that. Beyond that, however, we're allowed to experience the highs and lows of this family in full detail. Impactful!

When I saw what the concept was for this, right off the bat, I was excited; and then as I read the play, I was definitely not disappointed. Marvelously contemporary and still somewhat retaining of a romantic core so that it doesn't risk alienation. No chance of that here, as this one act never slows down and is very funny throughout with sharp, witty, and rewarding dialogue. Structure is just great in terms of keeping you interested. I can see why this has been successful so far, and I can't wait to see a staging of it myself someday.

This monologue is so funny that it makes me weep for our "culture." Just kidding, I think. Seriously, now, this is an incredibly entertaining burst of "cringe" comedy in a character we might unfortunately know too well. I would love to see this monologue performed, but in a theatrical sense, please. I don't want the performance to be in front of me when I'm waiting for my own macchiato (hold the extra drizzle), thank you very much.

Do we ever truly know one another? Do we really want to? What are the consequences of knowing the truth? That's the fulcrum of this play. A thrilling prize fight between a (barely) married couple that briefly turns into a three-way dance and then returns to the couple for a cathartic conclusion. The sly commentary on the monotony of a medium that's sprinkled throughout only serves to heighten the fact that one perhaps doesn't quite know how this is going to end. Sometimes, perhaps, it's better not to know. Intriguing deduction awaits. An impressive play, to be sure.

Perhaps many of us have been around someone like Melissa before: the nervous talker. Well meaning, but just doesn't know when to stop. Maybe we're Ralph and politely "beg off." But "aha," that's the neat trick of this wonderful monologue. Because we stay, we get to see the depth behind the nervous exterior, and we're rewarded with some touching moments for and from Melissa and her current circumstances. I enjoyed the neat "little touches" here and there throughout the monologue - authenticity throughout. A unique character, and it was definitely an involving experience getting to spend some time with her.

Great comedic byplay between these characters leading up to a very funny twist of an ending. A very enjoyable one act!

What an intense burst of a play here. Taut with drama, and it doesn't contain any easy answers. What lengths do we go to for those we love and why? And what do we do when we're up against an unforgiving system that won't allow for that? This was an intriguing example of those issues and more.

An unexpected and incredibly effective treatment of the subject. The technique used at first is distinctive and draws you in immediately. Then, we get down to business and see what effect gun violence has on multiple stakeholders, and not the "usual suspects," so to speak. In that way, the work is able to show more empathy and have a greater impact on those who read and view it. An important work that needs continued productions to try to have some impact on what seems sometimes like a hopeless cause. With explorations such as this, it doesn't have to be.

This was quite the work. An interesting history lesson from an era that many may not have great knowledge of, but this is not mere academia. It's a family story first, and the family is interesting and charming, and we definitely grow to love them. That makes what happens at the end so much more impactful and tragic in terms of realizing what was lost. This would definitely make for a great show to be produced to not only give great parts to actors but a moving tragedy for audiences to witness as well.

I can always depend on John for sometimes unusual but always deserved laughs, and this (hair)piece is no exception. What I loved about this the most was at times it almost seemed like a lost "Tales from the Crypt," and I mean that as the highest compliment. "Faust" by way of follicles? Excellent! I enjoyed the way the hilarity and horror escalated throughout the whole thing, and the ending was satisfying as well. I won't split hairs... this was a great one act!