Recommended by Kelly McBurnette-Andronicos

  • Shiva for an Atheist
    18 Aug. 2023
    A fascinating portrait of the not-so-perfect American family struggling with inherited trauma, impending elder death, and how to move the next generation forward. The matriarch, Hilde, is one of the most complex characters I’ve encountered on NPX, and I found myself wrestling with the same mixed feelings about her as her own family. On another level entirely, the play serves a survey of American societal culture and mores through the generations and illustrates how those impacted this family and their decisions in very real ways. A smart, tense, well done drama.
  • Ghosts
    6 Aug. 2023
    What struck me first about Sapio’s play, GHOSTS, was its dialogue. Realistic and effortless, the language felt authentic and natural. Some of the best I’ve read in that regard. It was easy to hear these characters speak. What I enjoyed thinking about after having finished the play was the way Sapio exploited ghosts and its meaning. The story gives us traditional/classic ghosts, but also the ghosts of former selves, the ghosts of the undead, the ghosts of trauma, and the lingering presence of ghosts of a physical place. So many interesting staging possibilities, too. An enjoyable read.
  • NIGHT OF A THOUSAND SIPS
    1 Aug. 2023
    You can just feel the magnetic pull of the whiskey sour for our speaker. Nice build of anxiety for the listener/reader as we wait to see how she’s going to get herself out of this precarious situation. Well done.
  • I know you: A monologue
    1 Aug. 2023
    I like the forcefulness, the confidence of the speaker because it makes me believe this foster parent is going to find that miracle the foster child desperately needs. A heart-felt and satisfying monologue. Well done.
  • Holy Fire
    24 Jul. 2023
    I chose to read this longer one-act of Moran's because of the historical subject matter, and it didn't disappoint. Not only did I learn about a little known event but also about the church culture that possibly lead to its happening. Unfortunately, we can see the through line of many of the same gendered inequities today. I particularly appreciated the more modern language and tone of the play, though the it's set in the 17th century. An enjoyable read.
  • Mere Waters
    22 Jul. 2023
    I was apprehensive to read this play given the subject matter, but I actually found it edifying and full of hope. While its topic is difficult, Blevins is merciful with her inclusion of the Prophetesses, who bring a bit of lightness. All five roles are well-drawn and would be satisfying and challenging for any actor to play. This is especially true of The Woman, who represents many different characters. The play’s set is fittingly stark - and therefore easy to produce - but Blevins still manages to deliver wonderful opportunities for theatricality. A well done, fast-moving script. Definitely recommend.
  • "... time's up" (10 minutes)
    17 Jun. 2023
    I appreciated and enjoyed the Pinter-esque quality of the banter between these two well-formed characters. Too bad we don't have more playwrights like Martin writing in the surrealist/absurdist genre. Well done.
  • LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION: a Very Short Play About Children and Guns
    27 May. 2022
    Sickles’ brilliant two minute play will make you understand just how long two minutes might feel. A crushing indictment and fat middle finger to our legislative body.
  • We Are Cranston
    3 Apr. 2022
    Cringe-worthy and terrible in all the right ways, this hilarious dark comedy shows us there’s nothing more important than football. A fun short that will have audiences squirming in their seats with delight.
  • A Quarter Placed on Railroad Tracks
    3 Apr. 2022

    Martin’s signature style is on display here as we bear witness to a moment in time between intimate friends who are at a critical juncture in their lives. It’s all on the line both figuratively and literally. Bittersweet.

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