Recommended by Claudia Haas

So there is no exit and cat and fish may as well be friends. Why not? But why? Nothing in common. But they’re together. One is prey but why not? Life in a fishbowl - why is that not life. Who knows? Cat and fish don’t. Read the play. Maybe you’ll know. Or maybe you’ll just be entertained.

“She’ll never be alone again.” Every two minutes. Every two minutes! Women emerging from the woods every two minutes. Sparse, quick, and laser-sharp, the play is a powerful glimpse into assault and surviving. The haunted, lucky ones who get to survive. You won’t easily let go of this play.

Christmas tree stories are the best. Scary-dogs-are-going-to-kill-you Christmas tree stories are even better. What is the season if not family adventures? A rollicking Christmas adventure best told at night with hot cocoa and the wind and dogs howling. Great fun.

A creative look at bullying and its underlying causes. There are strong roles for every middle school actor with an arc for each role. The sci-fi aspect surrounding this themed play lightens the tone and makes the play relatable to young performers and their audiences. For a class that is investigating bullying, the play is a good porthole into the topic.

Grief comes in waves. Walsh explores how the passing of time only makes the remembrances more poignant. Part fable, part fantasy, Grown-Ass Louis gives the audience moments to process their losses. Everyone can connect to Louis. Everyone can smile at the adults trying to explain grief. Everyone is and knows Louis.

I guarantee that you will never again go to a campsite or hike the woods without looking for Harper, Alex, and Lonny. Me Direct has me dreaming of creating works (and wigs!) for our woodsy thespians. An ode to what theatre gets right (even when it doesn’t). Theatre is e.v.e.r.y.w.e.r.e. I am thankful to Carnes for reminding me of that.

A moody mystery with hints that all is not as it seems. And it isn’t. You just have to enjoy the twisty ride. Riding the waves on the Staten Island Ferry just got a lot more interesting.

Growing up and growing older - Martin gives us meaningful examples of this. What we’re left with is the wonder of getting to age. Life comes at you in stages and if we’re lucky we’re here for it - all of it. And we like ourselves. All our selves.

Hope is hard to come by. But Gonzalez gives you hope- in a play, in a prayer, in a song. He gives you a sunrise. No matter how long it takes, there will be a sunrise.

Is it absurd to adopt a tiny pineapple? To debate a life over ocean waves and frozen margaritas? Somehow it all makes sense in Krause’s play. Deserted islands may be the best place to figure life out.