Recommended by Claudia Haas

And just like that, Occhino transports us into the once-popular Georgette Heyer books with a delicious romp of societal expectations. I nodded my head in realization that we are not further along from those days. Take a gander at the “society” pages still prevalent in major newspapers. This is loaded with physical hijinks to delight the artists involved and the audience. Bridgerton might want to incorporate this scene in their series. An honest, fun, biting comedy.

Blevins tackles the huge questions: birth, rebirth, salvation, faith, and redemption in this deeply moving and often harrowing play. It's done with unflinching honesty and she does not shy away from the darkness. She still finds moments of light which are poignant and richly layered. The ritual of the purification bath left me in tears. Mere Waters is set in the past but its themes resonate all too loudly today. I'd love to see a theatre stand up and be counted by producting this play.

Snail sex may seem like unlikely romantic banter, but in the hands of John Mabey it is tender and sexy-sweet. A rom-com that explores the nuances and complications of early dating and mutual attraction, the play is a huge smile and a heart-flutter.

A tale of endings and beginnings told with truth and clarity. Life is complicated and challenging. Hall acknowledges all of that while still managing to give us glimpses of the good, life still offers possibilities, and there are small mercies. You just need to be brave enough to seek them out.

Attanasio has crafted a love story for our times. It’s twisty, upbeat, clever, and fun. But beware - you may never look at a dating app again.

I am with Wyatt every step of the way - loving my Gigi and my soup - any soup. I love the tender heart of this tale. There’s a reason soup pots are so large - it’s meant to be shared. Heyman created a fable for all people in all places and times. (I wonder if Gigi is friends with Strega Nona.)

Art - it can be a financial investment, a moment in time, or a memory. Maisel explores all these definitions as we follow a painting through time. Just as a work of art can leave an imprint on our soul, we find that art can also heal scars and evoke new beginnings. A lyrical and poignant history of a work of art and how it evokes our humanity.

Beware: it’s likely you may get carried away with this sweet slice of live and develop new romantic tendencies. A rom-com in a new vein, the play reinforces what is good in this world. And you will feel nurtured after reading this - even if you’re smiling through your tears.

Kantor’s play has no holds barred. Competitive, skating, skincare, and the role of media influencers are delicious skewed in this dark comedy. There’s enough reality to make this exciting and enough silliness to make it truthful. Kantor’s gift is finding the truth under the delectable cover-ups. Give this to your best teen actresses and watch them shine. Cake pops for everyone.

Syran has gifted us with many historical plays (seriously check them out here on New Play X). The Coat Check Girl may be one of the most riveting. It’s a perfect blend of history and theatre and it shows what theatre uniquely can do- provide a backdrop to the world at a specific time and place. And then show us how it applies to our times.