Recommended by Brent Alles

I love how the Bard can ever be adapted in new and exciting ways, and that's what you have here as Ayers puts on a fast-moving, epic, post-apocalyptic version of "Othello" that still maintains the core of the original story and yet finds creative and inventive ways to modernize it. (For example, I love the idea of the use of a "rock band" for much of the motif!) Future warfare meets the never-ending treachery and manipulation of the true villain of the piece? Bring it on!

Wasn't quite expecting to have an existential crisis while reading a play about crabs trapped in a tank, but here we are. "Jimmy Kaplingus" is at times delightfully absurd and at other times very serious indeed. It's a mix that Kennel stirs up quite well in the course of the narrative. Towards the end, the inventiveness goes into overdrive and becomes extremely exciting. I was left with a pleasant, puzzled pondering at the end of this, which definitely is something when it comes to a bunch of crabs. But aren't we all crabs, in the end? Perhaps. Highly recommended!

After 116 years, it could be considered quite difficult to find a new angle on the Dracula story. Give Meurer credit, then, as the playwright has indeed found a creative, innovative, and unique way to approach the story and turn it on its head. The conceit of a "play within a play" is used very well here and leads to a very unsettling effect for the audience that reads or views it. The climax is satisfying in terms of the narrative that Meurer creates. Applause for finding a fresh way to approach the legend of the Nosferatu!

This play is an insightful examination of humanity on a small scale and yet on a grand scale as well. Deftly juggling thoughts on parenting, responsibility (to multiple stakeholders), and overall life expectations is not an easy trick, but "Surprise Visit" handles it very well. The characters are all incredibly well drawn and realistic. Everything felt authentic here, and just like in life, where there are usually not easy choices or answers, there aren't here either. O'Connell has created a meaningful slice-of-life examination here that definitely resonates.

To start, on its own merits, this is an excellent adaptation of the biblical stories. But the experiment? A "time-lapse" of theater styles throughout the ages? Marvelous. (And the fact that the "voice" rings true in each of the "eras" is really something wondrous as well.) Regardless of one's beliefs, this is not only a gripping tale of family conflict but also a showcase of how humans have expressed themselves through the ages. A very well-written piece indeed. I was very glad to read Alaina's "experiment," and I'd be really intrigued to see it staged at some point.

Tremendously romantic and charming, this 10-minute had me smiling the whole time. Who says love can't still bloom even in this day and age? Vaughan thinks otherwise, and this very natural "meet cute" is enjoyable from start to end.

Looney and tuney in all the right ways, this would be a great "lost midnight movie" to bring to the stage. The insanity never stops, and I was grinning through a lot of it as Bell continues to prove himself adept at bringing genre to the forefront. That being said, there's a surprising amount of pathos to be found in a play about murderous animatronics. Whoda thunk it? Anyway, if you want an unusual, entertaining, and often surprising read or experience, check out the Jamboree!

Tremendous world building here by Ray. It's a curious menace indeed, the presence of the Observer, and certain occurrences in the play cause us to doubt the meaning, the validity, of its existence, which makes the dystopian dread that much more effective. The play's climax is incredible in terms of challenging us to accept the alternate reality of which we are presented. The influences of Orwell, Huxley, Atwood, et al, can all be found here and contribute well to the play's overall milieu. I'm a fan of dystopia, and "The Observer" is an excellent addition to the genre.

An incredible tale that takes everything we know about "exorcism" and then throws that all out the window. What's left is a gripping story of just what parents will do for a child and what happens when we may have to "pay what we owe." This would be an amazing tale to see staged. This is the height of psychological horror and will stay with you well after your reading/viewing is complete.

Very funny premise carried out very well by Soucy. Laughed quite a bit at the dialogue, and I loved the absurdity of it all. As a big fan of the Universal monsters, it's nice to see someone carrying on their legacy, even if it's in these slightly unusual ways. Can see this being a hit at 10-minute festivals!