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Claudia Haas

Recommended by Claudia Haas

  • The Dobler Effect by John Minigan
    14 Feb. 2020
    “ Often what you want is in front of you but you don’t see it. And so it is with Lionel who is enamored with the “new girl” but has yet to see Didi. Sweet and engaging, this romantic comedy for seniors does not fall into any stereotypical traps of “love in the elder years.” Rather it focuses on what we see, what we hear and when preconceived notions get in the way of our senses. Plus - oh my, I had fun picturing the boom box and cassette tapes as Lionel sees himself as the epitome of cool. ”
  • Uncomplicated Bereavement by Scott Sickles
    14 Feb. 2020
    “ What happens at a funeral stays at the funeral. You have to love how uncomplicated this bereavement turns out to be. Self-sacrifice is complicated and there are times - when release is welcome. Sickles deliciously combines loss and sex with truths and action. There is definitely a celebration of life at this funeral. ”
  • Bigger Than Pretend (10-15 min.) by Robin Rice
    14 Feb. 2020
    “ You’ll find layers of love in this multi-facet short piece: lovers of the planet, a lover of pretend, and lovers of each other. You may think you know what the play is about but as it unfolds it takes a turn. A turn that strengthens their relationship and a turn that gives them a reason to get up in the morning. And that turn is everything. ”
  • That Moment When ... by Steven G. Martin
    14 Feb. 2020
    “ It’s a rare play that makes you feel as though you can hear the heartbeats of the actors onstage. Martin accomplishes this with a play that has simple but heightened action and virtually no dialogue. A “love at first sight” story, Martin builds tension by giving you the body language of the characters (narrated) complete with furtive glances and nervous gestures. It’s a gift basket of possibilities for both actors and director. And the audience will be leaning forward in their seats willing them to connect. Original, fun and sweet. ”
  • A Semicolon is a Double by Larry Rinkel
    14 Feb. 2020
    “ In a world where supposedly “coming out” has never been easier, Rinkel puts a period on that. He gives us two vastly different but vulnerable teens looking for acceptance. Unexpectedly, they find it in each other. There’s humor, hard truths, and a wish for a more accepting world for all wrapped up in this poignant play. One way to create this new world would be to produce this play. Again and again. ”
  • Passed Hordes (a ten minute play) by Mark Harvey Levine
    14 Feb. 2020
    “ There is so much sweetness in watching two nerdy wallflowers get a little confidence “with a little help from their friends” (and hors d’oeuvres). We have all been Isabel and Paul sometime in our life. We just needed better waiters (and more food). Levine’s quirky romantic-comedy speaks volumes of how we perceive ourselves and our perception of others. Maybe we should all strive for better hors d’oeuvres. ”
  • THE INVENTION OF PICKLE BALL by Rachael Carnes
    14 Feb. 2020
    “ You’re never too old for Pickle-Ball ... or other delightful activities. Carnes offers us a champagne-sparkle of a comedy for “people of a certain age” without a whiff of elder-stereotypying. If it takes a clothing-optional wedding to give older actors dream roles, let’s have more of that: more love, more spice, more pickle-ball. You can find it all in the play. ”
  • SL1 12:32 a.m. by K. Alexa Mavromatis
    14 Feb. 2020
    “ I love romantic comedies with twists and turns and some shadows. This has it all in spades. Mavromatis takes us on a sweet journey into the romantic unknown. Where it will stop - nobody knows - but you will have a lovely trip. The perfect play for heart-day. Especially when heart-day is every day. Throw some light into your life and read it/produce it. ”
  • Penny for Your Traumas? by Lindsay Partain
    14 Feb. 2020
    “ A heartbreak of a play. There is so much truth here in a scant ten minutes, so many exposed nerves that may never heal. The monologue regarding what triggers “the monster” gives insight into how those with PTSD face the day. Deeply theatrical, Partain’s monster will stay with you. And for reasons you may not expect. ”
  • Cooler Near the Lake by Philip Middleton Williams
    13 Feb. 2020
    “ Masks come off, summer strips away baggage, and the coolness of the lake brings what’s truly there. Cooler Near the Lake exposes secrets, brings on heightened dreams, and opens up some realities that are exposed in times of grief and remembrance. Funny, honest, and loving, the play centers on the humanity of the characters, and what happens when their choices are not true to themselves. Williams writes a tale that is filled with love even when the love is misguided. And allows that forgiveness and compassion are integral parts of love. ”

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