Recommended by Brent Alles

  • Brent Alles: TLC: A Millennial Horror Story

    Loved this piece! Somewhat depressing as far as where we might be these days in terms of overall attitudes and circumstances. However, that's certainly not a bad thing when it comes to the overall "construction" of this funny 10-minute. There's a creeping horror throughout that works very well. The final pieces of dialogue definitely have an impact. This is a great contemporary examination of being careful what you wish for when it comes to potentially making changes in your life. Take it from this homeowner... this cautionary tale is definitely grounded in reality! Great piece to come out of...

    Loved this piece! Somewhat depressing as far as where we might be these days in terms of overall attitudes and circumstances. However, that's certainly not a bad thing when it comes to the overall "construction" of this funny 10-minute. There's a creeping horror throughout that works very well. The final pieces of dialogue definitely have an impact. This is a great contemporary examination of being careful what you wish for when it comes to potentially making changes in your life. Take it from this homeowner... this cautionary tale is definitely grounded in reality! Great piece to come out of 28PL!

  • Brent Alles: THE WEIRD SISTERS

    I loved much about this piece. First, we'll start with the Shakespearean aspects, which is always an easy sell with me. Then, the allusions to show tunes? Check two on the "it pleases me verily" checklist. Beyond that, however, you have sharp and witty dialogue between all three of the "sisters," and you get to be amused, horrified, and sometimes both as we somewhat merrily roll along. A unique and hilarious ten minute that would do great in festivals around a certain time of year, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. Really enjoyed it!

    I loved much about this piece. First, we'll start with the Shakespearean aspects, which is always an easy sell with me. Then, the allusions to show tunes? Check two on the "it pleases me verily" checklist. Beyond that, however, you have sharp and witty dialogue between all three of the "sisters," and you get to be amused, horrified, and sometimes both as we somewhat merrily roll along. A unique and hilarious ten minute that would do great in festivals around a certain time of year, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. Really enjoyed it!

  • Brent Alles: Clouds

    This piece hits hard. Swenson lets us in on the situation before the scene begins, so we're not surprised by what's going on here, at first. What we are surprised by, however, is the depth of emotion that is revealed between these two characters, especially through the touching and moving lyric poetry towards the end. A tremendous amount of connection can be felt not only with the characters but also with the situation. A lovely little lyrical cloud of a play, occasionally white and fluffy but not afraid to be dark and rainy when it needs to be either.

    This piece hits hard. Swenson lets us in on the situation before the scene begins, so we're not surprised by what's going on here, at first. What we are surprised by, however, is the depth of emotion that is revealed between these two characters, especially through the touching and moving lyric poetry towards the end. A tremendous amount of connection can be felt not only with the characters but also with the situation. A lovely little lyrical cloud of a play, occasionally white and fluffy but not afraid to be dark and rainy when it needs to be either.

  • Brent Alles: The Last Guest

    A funny piece about the sometimes desperate measures one has to resort to in order to keep the business going. I loved how the tension built throughout the piece, and the payoff at the end was truly the flavored foam on the latte, if you will. Szarvas always writes interesting scenarios; this is another one and made for a very enjoyable ten minute.

    A funny piece about the sometimes desperate measures one has to resort to in order to keep the business going. I loved how the tension built throughout the piece, and the payoff at the end was truly the flavored foam on the latte, if you will. Szarvas always writes interesting scenarios; this is another one and made for a very enjoyable ten minute.

  • Brent Alles: Splitting the Check (Ten Minute)

    A wonderful little piece of "cringe" comedy, and I mean that in the best possible way. I loved the ending of this ten minute, and this work is another example of why I'm happy to not be in the dating scene. Or maybe I could get more chocolate volcano cake out of it if I was, which, well, might be worth it. That being said, this was a nifty twist on the typical "cafe date" ten minute and Donnelly pulls off the comedy effectively throughout the piece.

    A wonderful little piece of "cringe" comedy, and I mean that in the best possible way. I loved the ending of this ten minute, and this work is another example of why I'm happy to not be in the dating scene. Or maybe I could get more chocolate volcano cake out of it if I was, which, well, might be worth it. That being said, this was a nifty twist on the typical "cafe date" ten minute and Donnelly pulls off the comedy effectively throughout the piece.

  • Brent Alles: Mick and Ernie go to Therapy

    A tremendously smart, funny, and wicked farce. The situation is set up perfectly and the laughs come right off the bat. The twists and turns that happen along the way only heighten the overall enjoyment of the piece. Fantastic one act that I would love to see on stage!

    A tremendously smart, funny, and wicked farce. The situation is set up perfectly and the laughs come right off the bat. The twists and turns that happen along the way only heighten the overall enjoyment of the piece. Fantastic one act that I would love to see on stage!

  • Brent Alles: A Testimony from the Nokia Phone Trapped Under the Bleachers

    Wonderful concept, executed quite well. The exactness of the description is wondrous at the beginning. You can SMELL this play as you read it, and I mean that in the best way possible. And you chuckle at the absurdity of a phone giving you its life story. And then... Bolduc brings out new elements that turn this right around from amusing to moving. I had no idea I would be so touched by the journey of an almost 20-year-old phone, but here we are. Bolduc reveals keen insights about humanity through the eyes of a "dead" piece of technology. Recommended!

    Wonderful concept, executed quite well. The exactness of the description is wondrous at the beginning. You can SMELL this play as you read it, and I mean that in the best way possible. And you chuckle at the absurdity of a phone giving you its life story. And then... Bolduc brings out new elements that turn this right around from amusing to moving. I had no idea I would be so touched by the journey of an almost 20-year-old phone, but here we are. Bolduc reveals keen insights about humanity through the eyes of a "dead" piece of technology. Recommended!

  • Brent Alles: Is This Franks Phone?

    I admire how much Plumridge is able to pack in these short little scripts. There's an effective twist at the end that changes the whole tenor of the play, which is an admirable feat.

    I admire how much Plumridge is able to pack in these short little scripts. There's an effective twist at the end that changes the whole tenor of the play, which is an admirable feat.

  • Brent Alles: The Doctors Call

    A good illustration of how proper bedside manner can be accomplished even in the most dire of circumstances. Again, a lot of humanity packed into this little scene.

    A good illustration of how proper bedside manner can be accomplished even in the most dire of circumstances. Again, a lot of humanity packed into this little scene.

  • Brent Alles: Eesha's Dilemma

    A lovely little piece that establishes its characters quickly and makes you feel for their scenario immediately. Plumridge does an excellent job here in finding universality even in a different culture.

    A lovely little piece that establishes its characters quickly and makes you feel for their scenario immediately. Plumridge does an excellent job here in finding universality even in a different culture.