Recommended by Iyna Caruso

Resentments bubble up from unexpected places in Paul Donnelly’s family drama set against the backdrop of a Thanksgiving Day gathering. Donnelly does a stellar job of ratcheting up the tension as he explores changing dynamics, fresh starts and the challenge of seeing loved ones anew.

A few years ago this would have been pure sci-fi, but with each passing day a scenario like this comes closer to reality. Is it wrong to be rooting for these two to get together? Morey Norkin’s delightful Flight of Fancy gives us plenty of laughs but also a lot to think about.

“Thoughts and prayers” following a school shooting is given new meaning. Brian Cern’s satire on gun violence takes a dark turn in a hurry and makes its point decisively. Not a wasted word here.

An anxiety dream before the first day at a new school might go something like this. Mina is the new student whose first day at school goes from ordinary to bewildering. Lucky us--we get to enjoy one wild ride. Andrew Martineau’s quick-paced comedy perfectly captures what it feels like to be an outsider and does so within a wholly original framework.

I wish I read this during the worst of the pandemic when I could have really used some big laughs. The characters are, by turns, hilarious, biting, maddening, relatable and, ultimately, endearing.

A sweet play that reminds us how important connection is and the lovely moments that can be found in the everyday.

I feel like I’ve heard bickering just like this many times in restaurants! Larry Rinkel nails the escalating absurdity of old friends stuck in old ways with plenty of laughs and great pacing.

The story of a woman who resists the development of a community garden evolves subtly yet powerfully. It leaves you thinking about how a patch of green can transform lives and the difference one fearless individual can make to effect change.

This is such a clever idea and so well executed. Fun, fresh and funny. Bonus: A great way to expand your vocabulary if you’re pertinacious :)