Recommended by Claudia Haas

The old adage of ‘be careful what you wish for” is now twisted into “be careful who you write for,” and “be careful of what you write.” Filled with sci-fi tropes and twisty twists, Lam pokes gleeful holes into writers who are enamored of themselves as creators of brave new worlds.

This play goes off the rails in the most delicious way. Mansfield lays out the minefields of technology and as most of us tiptoe through them, a woman has much more grandiose plans on what to do with this “techno-virtual-accept cookies” world. I saw a production of this. The audience howled at this while clutching their cell phones in fear for their virtual lives.

On a dark and stormy night, Bear gets the stuffing knocked out of him and grows fangs. And now (drumroll) let the thrills begin. Plumridge’s monologues are covered in just enough mystery, history, and a touch of horror that you are left wanting more.

Helicopter parents: beware. Someone may have their eyes on you. Busser led me up the garden path and demolished all of my preconceived notions of where this play was headed. A handy guide to the “new” science fair: enter at your own risk.

I am reading the Bear monologues slowly - one a day to savor each one. Like the fine chocolates I hide from family, Bear goes well with morning tea or evening wine (this one with wine). I may not be able to bear the suspense as Bear’s predicaments are not for toddlers and I am amazed that I am rooting for this fuzzy-stuffy who has unusual powers that frighten me. I am enthralled with this Scare-Bear. You will be, too.

What happens when your paths cross with others? Do you agree to connect, shy away, deny? Wagner’s Envision takes us to a place of discovery and reflection but then asks us if that’s what we want. The answer isn’t easy but gives us pause to think.

This play has my heart wrapped around it. The sights, noises, and smells that Bear experiences put me in the here and now of Bear’s existence. In a scant few minutes, Plumridge grants us access to a time that never should have been and a world we still need to atone for. I want every installment of Bear’s monologues - what a unique and theatrical way to grant us access to history through a child’s Bear.

You’re going to have a good time if you just read the stage directions. Sickles thumbs are magic. And a wee bit frightening if you know enough to beware of ants… and Brit comedy … and butlers ..and dashing Scotsman. I want to play all the parts but mostly I want to see this properly staged so we can find the theatrical glory in plays that don’t deliver an existential meaning but are pretty straight forward about ants. There’s not enough written on that subject.

As an Anglophile, an Agatha Christie reader, and a cook devoted to reading menus, Lermond checks all my boxes and has offered me the perfect theatrical treat. You don’t have to be any of those to enjoy this well-plotted murder mystery set in the English countryside. The dialogue and winter fire crackles. Your Yorkshire pudding is ready, and Lermond delivers a cast (with delicious secrets) and a script with a myriad of mysteries. Careful you don’t trip on those red herrings. Don’t wait until Christmas to enchant your audiences. There’s no time like the present.

There is a night sky of stars. A meeting of minds about love and all its possibilities. And ultimately a connection to love everlasting in all its poignancy and possibilities. Plumridge has fashioned an ode to love that you will carry in your heart. Always. He shows you that love is always. It’s what we all wish.