Recommended by Brent Alles

09.22.24 - A fun and funny piece that should fit its original purpose of fitting into the variety show very well and providing the audience some good entertainment. Outside of that, however, this definitely could stand on its own as a very entertaining short piece for audiences of all ages. Very entertaining!

As someone who's spent way too much time playing games like the one described here in this very funny 10-minute, much of this rang true and brought a smile to my face and several laughs throughout. Even if you're not a gamer, however, I think you're going to enjoy the surprising exploration of identity that happens as the play progresses. There's something to be said for "NPC's" taking charge of their own identity in this day and age, I think, but beyond that, enjoy the adventure of this play!

An intriguing character study here. A unique scenario that leads to some effective exploration of identity, sexuality, and how love fits into all that. For a short piece, the characters are very well drawn, and the actions of the narrative make sense and draw us in further to the dilemma and make us care about how these characters are going to navigate these new waters. This piece would do very well for a one act festival that would have it.

We are what we read. It's something that's always resonated for me, and I was blessed with parents who encouraged my reading (often books of wonderful, fantastical worlds like the ones John explored). So, this play by Williams definitely resonated with me. It has a wistful sense that permeates it, but what a comfort to find some type of resolution or closure when it seems like there might not be the chance. The ending was just an enriching way to bring a close to this wonderful short story.

A really fascinating exploration of capitalism gone wrong and, shall we say, "naked" ambition? Bancroft is, by all accounts, a detestable character, but he's also a fascinating one as well. With that, you give an actor a tremendous part to play and a short story that will give its audiences much to chew over in terms of what we accept in our current world reality. The relationship between Chen and Bancroft is just intriguing as well. If this leads to further development, I am really interested to see where the story would go!

Extremely funny short. Trekkers and Trekkies alike will enjoy the references galore, and the central tenet of Captain Kirk being an extreme horndog is a funny scaffolding to hang everything on. Enjoyable ten minute!

A challenging and engaging piece. Tibbetts raises some very good questions in terms of theater and representation and doesn't provide pat, easy answers, which I felt was authentic. What we are left with are some fascinating/irritating viewpoints from characters that lead to natural conflict. One is drawn into the argument and asked to consider their own viewpoint when it comes to "who gets to play what." Different eras and ages are brought to bear in terms of how perspectives are shaped and eventually clash. A play that will provoke a lot of conversation, I think, which is admirable.

It's interesting to see the tacks that "modern" romantic stories take these days, and Maurer has certainly come up with an intriguing variation on the expression of love in the modern age. A funny critique on perhaps stereotypical men and their stereotypical thoughts becomes something else towards the end of the play, which is a pretty remarkable transformation to witness. There are reasons why Lucy puts up with this particular writers' group, and uncovering those reasons as the story plays out is definitely part of the fun of this witty, contemporary, and unconventional piece.

An amazing work initially created by a 14-year-old. However, unfortunately, isn't that perhaps one of the sharpest perspectives when it comes to this issue? The loss of innocence from having to deal with the matters that Tennant discusses here is all too real. One weeps for the facts that are shared in terms of the rampant gun violence in this country. One in 63. The mind boggles. And yet, Tennant still finds a way to shine a light on the humanity that is needed to deal with tragedies that are all too common. Raw, stunning, engrossing, saddening, maddening, and humanizing.

Vaughan does a great job here in his LHOTP spoof/homage, and while we may chuckle at the parody of the popular show of the 70's and 80's, there are also a lot of fun moments and even a couple of touching ones throughout. A lot of fun to read, and I'm sure it would be a lot of fun for groups to perform as well.