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Matthew Weaver

Recommended by Matthew Weaver

  • Our Child by Franky D. Gonzalez
    31 May. 2018
    “ Gonzalez runs through the uncomfortable truths of the announcement that a baby is coming, under less than ideal financial circumstances. The Woman wants it, the Man ... reacts poorly. At first. An unflinching look at the moment when the world changes and two people find themselves on the precipice of the rest of their lives, with all of the questions and uncertainties that arise. An opportunity for two very strong performers to shine, particularly whoever brings Woman to life. An honest exploration of the ways we break the hearts of those we love. And try to put them together again. ”
  • The Greater and Lesser Edmunds of the World: a short play about bastards and birthright by Scott Sickles
    24 May. 2018
    “ Shakespearean fun! Sickles lets the literary references fly as these brothers try to maneuver the intricacies of their brand-new relationship. Sickles takes Gideon and Augie to unexpected places, finding strong humor and lots of heart as each asks what the other's existence means to him. A gentle, delightful showcase for two talented performers who will have a fine old time bouncing off of one another. ”
  • The Thought Doesn't Count by Emily Hageman
    22 May. 2018
    “ Quite possibly the most moving play about a sock monkey EVER. Hageman does a wonderful job of giving us a couple audiences will fall in love with. Tim and Rebecca support each other even while their hearts are breaking. Love that Tim listens to and respects Rebecca when she says she needs a moment to be pissed off at him. Full of her signature wit and charm, Hageman makes us laugh and cry, often in the exact same precise moment. Tender and emotional, certain to have audience members leave in the midst of their own thoughtful reflections and discussions. ”
  • Miss Betsy Goes to Washington by Nicole Jost
    15 May. 2018
    “ A triumph. Sizzling, searing satire; infuriating drama. Jost hangs public officials out to dry WITH THEIR OWN DAMN WORDS. A marvelous, ingenious blend of reality, puppetry, farce and malarkey, with Jost serving as ringleader - holding up educational atrocities left and right, begging for an audience to pay attention and ask the question: "What the hell is wrong with these people? What the hell is wrong with US that we let it go this far?" I expect to see this on all of the winner's lists. Produce the hell out of it, over and over, until we see change. ”
  • The Cages We Build by Emily Hageman
    8 May. 2018
    “ Show this play to your so-called problem kids. Show this play to the people who teach your problem kids. Show this play to the people who come into contact with your problem kids. Show this play to the parents of problem kids. Hageman gets it. She GETS IT. In spades. She gives Dean a Lucy, but shows that that isn't the exact answer; there are no easy answers. A story laden with empathy and honesty and kindness in the face of genuine adversity. May all of our young people be so lucky as to come into contact with this play. ”
  • Hashtag Safe Spacers by Emily Hageman
    8 May. 2018
    “ Hageman gently tweaks the overly sensitive crowd in this utterly pure, utterly hysterical short comedy that is sure to be a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This is our next NOISES OFF, our next BLACK COMEDY, and it's acerbic and sharp as hell. Come for the physical comedy, stay for the social commentary and the chance for performers to really strut their stuff. Hageman is a maestro, and this is no exception. I had the pleasure of reading this for Trade a Play Tuesday, and it was a gift to find in my inbox. Hashtag hilarious, hashtag brilliant. ”
  • BLACK HOLE!!! A One-Minute Play for Kids by Asher Wyndham
    29 Apr. 2018
    “ Can a play be dreadfully sobering and an awful lot of fun at the same time? Wyndham's one-minute here is a resounding YES. The moral of the story is: Always do the science reading. This would be a lively addition to any showcase featuring middle-school age performers: Cast 'em and turn 'em loose! Love that Wyndham is working so hard to provide opportunities for youth, and this is another stand-out from him. The actors, and the audience, will have a fun time hanging on for dear life. ”
  • SEX AND VIOLENCE by Rachael Carnes
    29 Apr. 2018
    “ "My play was selected," poor Leah says, and Carnes knows that's when all the trouble REALLY begins. Being a playwright can be lonely work sometimes, but Carnes captures hilariously how claustrophobic it can be when a seven-character, 10-minute play involving a live parrot is being put on 3,000 miles away. It's so far, and yet still not quite far enough ... The cardinal rule is no children, no apex predators and heaven help you if the production is in the meatpacking district or your director falls down a flight of stairs. Smart and hysterical, with an extra wince of truth. ”
  • IN TRAINING by Rachael Carnes
    28 Apr. 2018
    “ Carnes offers an off-kilter, odd, quirky tale between two unseen individuals that will have an audience leaning forward in anticipation, although the results will never be something they can predict or expect. This is great metaphor for what's expected in a given work environment - one has to learn to say "Meow" exactly right, and learn how to reach into a bag of snakes just so. And I love the concept of this being done entirely in the dark, allowing the audience to fill in the details with their own imaginations. Just be careful with the photocopy machine; it's finicky. ”
  • A Humble Path [a monologue] by Steven G. Martin
    24 Apr. 2018
    “ A darker offering from Martin, and the results are uncomfortable and riveting. Abe addresses an unseen hostage and he confesses his - and our- shameful truths. Who among us hasn't had a moment where we seek to lash out, really lash out, at someone who has wronged or disappointed us - the competitor who bested us, the jerk who cuts us off in traffic. Abe seeks help from his audience, a witness, but not the sort we want to give him. A good showcase for a strong actor in your ensemble, who isn't afraid to lay bare the ugliest honesty. ”

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