Recommended by Brent Alles

This was a tremendous amount of whimsy. An effective modern update of the classic Nutcracker story with a lot of fun parts for actors to play. This would be great for youth theater, high school performances, etc. Loved the subtle allusions to the original story and the new wave take on the original elements. The rhyming parts were a lot of fun as well. I can just see audiences having a lot of Christmas enjoyment with this show, and isn't that what it's all about? This Nutcracker is definitely sweet, indeed.

A nice little piece of Christmas cheer! Although I sort of guessed where we were headed early on, it was still a moving journey and an effective little character study from the elements that were used. A good little piece of magic realism combined with a little bit of melancholy... isn't that the makeup of many good holiday stories? This is certainly another good holiday story in that vein, to be sure. Recommended!

Loved this piece. When Ms. Feeny-Williams established the premise, I was waiting for certain payoffs and was not disappointed. (Though one character's attitude on the Muppets certainly made for a VERY unsympathetic character immediately for this Muppets Lover. :) ) After some good back and forth, the ending is humorously satisfying. A very funny look at what makes a Christmas movie and why we'll probably never agree on that very subject. But it's OK... as this play's ending intimates, there is still hope. :)

A charming little piece. I enjoyed the physical comedy suggested in it and pretty much had a smile on my face through the whole thing. Definitely a nice little bit of Christmas cheer to read today.

I really enjoyed this comedic piece. First off, I was a grocery bagger way back in the Stone Age, and the conversation about what you "can" and "can't" say to customers was a hoot and made me remember similar training I had back then. (Only the weather, NEVER religion.) I love how the comedic premise builds throughout the piece. At the end, you're totally with Bob in terms of doing ANYTHING to get this other guy out of here. This would definitely be a fun piece to see on stage!

A powerful piece. The characters are well developed from the beginning, and we are drawn into the story that unfolds almost hypnotically. The epilogue is suitably grim and yet appropriate for the overall narrative. The use of authentic details from the period brings this true story to life for the viewer and reader. The minute attention to detail with the printing process of Hans and Alexander was incredibly, strangely gripping. As the mysteries about the characters are discovered, one tends to hold one's breath at times... a taut claustrophobia permeates the work. Highly recommended!

This was incredible to read. From an entertainment perspective, it's fast paced, funny, and often thrilling. I really enjoyed the narrative. (Incredible "soundtrack suggestions" provided as well.) The overall importance, though, of the work at this fragile point in time is evident. Medlin drives it home with insightful and moving commentary after the play concludes, but I was honing in on what the work was trying to achieve even before I started reading that. I can't wait to read Part 2, and I can't wait to see this piece find a producer.

A well paced and intriguing 10-minute. The playwright establishes some interesting conversation about faith and theology from the start. The dialogue was believable and concise. The sense of menace grows as the play progresses. The ending is unsettling and yet fits the intent of the piece, I believe. I enjoyed reading this 10-minute in terms of admiring the craft of the playwright and would definitely like to see it produced at some point.

At first, it's pleasant enough to spend time with these characters, and there is indeed some wistful nostalgia reading about the joys (and fears) of junior high. Then, the play switches to dealing with grief and tragedy, and our fondness for the characters makes what is to come impact us more fully. There are a lot of fine ideas in this play; my personal favorite was probably the statement that those who have passed can send memories to those who haven't. There are many good memories indeed in this particular work.

Had the pleasure and privelege of performing in this a few years ago. It is sharply funny, and the back and forth between the four characters is just great. Some subtle examination of "legacy" and how we obtain it can be found amongst the many jokes as well. A great play for your group to put on!