Recommended by Matthew Weaver

An amazing feat, blending history and the present (and the future?) with magical realism and the gritty, world-weary realities of war in a way that we rarely see depicted. Every character comes fully-armed with hidden depths; each would be a true joy and challenge for a performer to bring to life. There's so much here to marvel and admire. We as an audience are in Ms. Burbano's very capable hands. Heartrending and joyous all in the same breath.

"Noises Off" proportions of hilarity. Six people around a table has never been so hilarious. I was chortling as Barrett masterfully lets things unfold. Elegantly captures a lot of ridiculousness and puts it to good, pointed use. Destined to be a classic. A genuine pleasure.

We as an audience are gifted first with an illicit high school party, then watch, mesmerized, as it turns into a ghost story before our eyes, building to a shattering exploration of the past's impact upon the present. Like the haunting tale Sonny sucks his friends in with, Merilo captures us before we even suspect we've been snagged. Thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing.

I saw an early version of this in Spokane, WA as "The Italian Prisoner." Lewis packs a epic story of danger and intrigue and sibling loyalty and friendship into a fully loaded tale. This is is a play in which everyone acts with the noblest of intentions in a time of war. A master's attention to detail - as Martina's sister recites over and over the elements of the periodic table, which pays off exquisitely. I was also immensely moved by Sam fulfilling Joey's wish to meet the opera singer who meant so much to him. Magnificent.

A hilarious, modern-day spin on Jesus feeding the crowd with loaves and fishes. But is the fish freshly-caught or store-bought? Are the loaves gluten-free? And what wine do you serve? Such a great idea, crafted exceedingly well. So good, I'm mad I didn't think of it!

Real people, real friends, really hanging out. The discussion gets real, then it gets REALLY real. A very timely play that will spark very timely discussions. Strong characters who share a history and bring their own, complicated perspectives. Diaz-Marcano ably, intimately captures three people coming back together to try and figure out how to move forward.

I was not familiar with Ana Mendieta or Carl Andre before reading this, but the talented writers had me all caught up in a matter of moments. A particular hat tip for the line "What were you thinking when I defenestrated?" and for daring to ask and answer the question. Burbano has a knack for taking well-known, mysterious true-life figures and capturing/infusing them with universal truth. The writers here take a holistic, compassionate look at both characters, glorious warts and all. "Silueta" is a passionate, violent, tragic love story beautifully told.

Gut-wrenching, heartbreaking and well-told. Hansen shines a light on one of the worst experiences a family can endure, and lays it all on the line. He puts his feelings entirely on the stage, a pure act of intimacy. Very hard to read or watch, I imagine, but that's nothing compared to what it must have been to live and to write. A story that's important to tell, to show others they're not alone. A hug to Hansen, because the words don't exist to console. Raw, unflinching and real.

Amazing and funny and wonderful and heartfelt all at the same time. Will change the way you look at and think about cockroaches, and even have you rooting for them romantically over creepy jerk husbands. As I read this, my jaw dropped open with delight and never closed. So good, it made me envious that I didn't write it. Certain to be a crowd pleaser.

Heartwrenching, full of complications and ultra topical. Tackles controversy head-on, never flinches, even if the characters do. Characters are well-drawn, multi-dimensional, and Wyndham allows them to not be sympathetic. Added bonus: We get Vito's presentation on platypuses. Daring, daring play. Cannot use the term 'thought-provoking' enough.