Recommended by Claudia Haas

The visual of ironing your wedding dress every day for 3 years is hard to shake off. Case gives us love in the time of war/politics/instability. There Is a Romeo & Juliet quality to this play that hints at tragedy. Something Blue rips open the lives lived in terror, the lives on hold in Gaza. We see innocent humans caught in a trap made by governments. It’s a play that will resonate with audiences.

A rom com between humans, between dogs, between humans and dogs - so much bark and tail wagging, I smiled and laughed and fell in love. In love with the humans and those irrepressible dogs. Please stage this nearby so I can bring dog biscuits and have the time of my life.

Love in the time of coronavirus. Succinct, wistfull, and true. Viral Love offers a glimpse into the future - and manages to keep it sweet.

A comedy about (maybe) manly men and (maybe) survival and (maybe) friendship. It’s part manly fairy tale and the opposite of Deliverance. Drumbeats gives us a moose, the wilderness, and trickery and serves it up with civilized takeout. McCleland’s characters buy into the LL Bean catalogue’s definition of men with a touch of Walmart. Men trying to behave civilly.

This play is under the banner of “what unnecessary things we do to each other” - starting as children. False bravado, machismo, the “I’ll show them” mentality is explored through the lens of adolescent males. McCleland offers a glimmer of hope, he snatches it away and then teases with it. A moving exploration of how one kind word could change an outcome. Present this in high school, bring the epidemic of youth suicide into the light so young people can discuss their demons without fear.

Oh my, what a hoot. What a truism. What a grand way to be introduced to Cinderella. Wagner’s take on the tale is the way to go.

Hayet delivers another absurd moment in time but all is probable. Playing with the superhero motif, crowd control, and villains, the play has many avenues. Many station stops. And many endings. Find them if you can.

“ I just want to act in plays.” And so it begins. The punishment of actors cast in horrid sit com pilots. Satire? Yes. Truth? Maybe. An original look at “behind the scenes” with maybe more truths than we theatricals want to admit.

It shouldn’t be funny. It’s funny. Very. Timely. And if you are obsessed with news, you’ve seen this play pan out on the local level. Designed for an online production, the play will hit you where you live. Karekan gives us theatre when there is no theatre and gives us a lot to ponder.

Hoke gives us a gentle reminder that humans are tactile, hugs are not always sexual and kindness is always welcome - even when awkward. As I read this “in the time of social distancing,” I note how many people miss closeness. It’s a highly theatrical play as you watch the moments change and will resonate with all audiences. Because Hoke found a truth.