Recommended by Claudia Haas

A rom-com that’s not all hearts and roses? Where else can one declare true love but on a fake green lawn? A “maybe” love that “probably” could lead to marriage if you believe in that sort of thing. Sweetly cynical and a sign of our times. Love is a many faceted thing and Martin brings all these facets together for a hole-in-one.

“Why is Leah still frozen?” “Because the playwright can’t write female characters.” And so the play continues, delivering an entree of horrible coincidences, bad female dialogue, and cliches that would induce labor in some of the population. The play gives us - in style - what is promised. And it couldn’t be more fun for the actors and audience.

Sweetest time traveling tale ever. I want all of this to be true. i want it onstage. I want to smile at the perfect ending. I want to time travel. Such a human response to our deepest wishes.

God is dead. Do we even make potato salad for picnics anymore? What does it mean? And a small town finds out - gee maybe it means easy judgement is gone, a “food for thought” short play that doesn’t judge.

Maybe the world does not need another Christmas Carol. Or maybe the world needs Svich’s version - inspired by social justice. It’s updated, the sentiment is played down but the interaction between the humans in the past, present and future ring true. There’s some snappy dialogue to be sure and redemption. But Svich bypasses a lot of the easy to make the transformation of Goodge (her Scrooge) come slowly with care. A small cast, some soaring hymns that speak of humanity make this easy to stage and produces the same hope that Dickens does,

This is a wicked ditty about profiteering off of the news no matter how horrific the news may be. MacLean gives us the cynical and clever as she “disses” Ringo while jumping on conspiracy theories for the Beatles lyrics. A play sure to be appreciated by lawyers, it’s highlights may appall you. But you’ll laugh anyway.

Physical humor, snappy dialogue, and oh yeah - surprise! Fun for all and again - surprise! MH Levine keeps the surprises coming - don’t try to be psychic - just enjoy the ride.

I am a sucker for time travel but I must say Lam takes it even further and I want the next act. And the next. And the next. Decisions have consequences and Lam spells them out. And finally, Interventions shows us that decisions also have consequences. Clever, sweet, and beautifully theatrical,

Mahoney hands us the joys, fears, and sorrows of parenthood and it’s - complicated. With little sentiment and a lot of love, the play gives us what we wish for, be careful what you wish for and wishful thinking in a scant ten minutes. Thoughtful, moving, and a home run in exploring some truths.

The play grabs you on the very first page and never loses its grip. Mahoney’s rich dialogue vacillates between purrs and a fiery crackle. Even when harsh, there is an under current of gentleness. You feel for these characters. You bleed for them. Fata Morgana leads you to a myriad of destinations and even when it tears your heart out, you follow in hope. The running theme of the birds and the crow is a magical pulse that drives this play into a new realm where hope and despair live. Highly recommended.