Recommended by Matthew Weaver

Ever a poet, Martin succinctly summarizes much of what is wrong with American politics today in a single minute, with the added bonus that at least Martin's play a) has a satisfying resolution b)allows for a brief moment of self awareness from the antagonist and c) also has pie. (Added bonus: No actual politics are discussed, but we know. WE KNOW.) Martin is a treasure whether the play is short or full-length. More of both, please, Steve.

Lipschutz delivers an adorable, thoroughly researched insider's-eye view at some notorious Hollywood gems (and risks re-traumatizing an entire generation by referring one coming-of-age movie in particular in the process). It's as sharp as it is sweet, which is a hell of an accomplishment. Knowing winks to film buffs and entomologists alike. Give it to your performer who does the best Grandpa voice.

Kantor has a wholly unique mastery of voice that will absolutely just knock you out, and her 37 ORIGAMI BEES is no exception. It's a perfect depiction of sleep depravation, stress and absolute grief. Shay is the kind, calm friend every overthinker deserves.
Do yourself a favor as a theatrical production company and commission Kantor with a play prompt. I suspect she will panic and lament, but she will ultimately deliver a stunning, heartfelt piece that shows the rest of us how it should be done.

Sickles takes a simple title prompt, does his research and then provides a staggering, heartbreaking 10-minute historical epic that will leave you breathless. As all good period dramas do - and this is a masterpiece in miniature - Sickles' 37 ORIGAMI BEES both enlightens us about history while we draw parallels to an all too chilling today. An elegant, rage-filled tour de force.

Murphy's 37 ORIGAMI BEES pleases the ARSENIC & OLD LACE enthusiast in me mightily. Wicked humor and contemporary catharsis link arm in arm in a satisfying short (although I'd love to see it expanded). Bonus points also to Murphy for her thorough research into bee venom chemistry. Stage this in your short play festival and sit back and watch how quickly it proves an audience favorite.

Nothing like a short and sweet art heist to whet your appetite for more! Richter keeps his characters - and the audience - on their toes with a barbed look at the art world, and "Society" at large.

Origami bees take on a more ominous tone in Soucy's noir mystery. All the hallmarks of a classic detective story are here - the gruff p.i., women in distress and grim, gray mood. A worthy gumshoe entry, a worthy 37 ORIGAMI BEES offering. Add this one the next time you're feeling like putting on a thriller ...

BEE PUNS! Better yet, NOIR BEE PUNS! Olson (a very good poet and writer and an absolute PLAYWRIGHT TO WATCH) brings his words to NPX, and the world will never bee the same! (It'll bee just the tiniest bit better.) This is like if an episode of POLICE SQUAD had a Very Special Episode All About Beekeeping, with knowing winks so over-the-top they cross over into brilliance. (I particularly love that Tommy is tuned into Genevieve's narration.) Did I groan? Absolutely, and often! Sheer and utter fun.

Oh wow. Byham takes two minutes to deliver a powerhouse/sucker punch of a short play that also brings, especially in the midst of such depressing and omnipresent terribleness in the headlines, a reminder of what humanity is really, truly about. Lovely. Heartrending. Lovely.

I echo Claudia Haas' request to be Kate and Holly's friend!
Dellagiarino Feriend proves you can have your cake and eat it too, with a play that touches on so many issues of great importance that's so absolutely fun and hysterical, it feels like a light and frothy dessert. I was glad I hadn't taken a sip of anything for some of Kate and Holly's one-liners, I would be writing this recommendation from a choking fit.
Dellagiarino Feriend has mastered both activisim and wryness, in one fell swoop.