Recommended by Steven G. Martin

Lee Lawing has created art that expands our knowledge of artwork, that shows us the subjects of the George Platte Lynes photographs were people, not merely icons or, worse, objects in a still life. The theatricality in the telling of this terrific, the backstory and affection between these characters equally so. [24/10/13]

"Good Vibrations" is the wish-fulfillment play I'd love to make manifest for every hypocrite out there. It's a nice tart retort to those that doth protest too much. [24/10/12]

Come for the bawdy humor in "Manes Before Dames," stay for the highly emotional core. The boys-will-be-boys humor among anthropomorphized lions made me laugh out loud, but Sam Heyman knows the true impact of this story is that Dave makes a choice to stand up for himself and what he needs. [24/10/12]

Sometimes when you're trying to get through to family, you've got to screw around a bit. "Guardian to Be" is a terrific example, and includes one of my favorite lyrics ever: "But you’ll be dead so c’est la vie." This play has screwball comedy moments, over-the-top characterization, and a heartwarming core. [24/10/12]

I love theatre like "i went to a bar all by myself and i didn't die."

This monologue is a celebration of exploration, joy, exultation, sensation, awakening, transformation. The character of River has made a strong choice and her world has opened up a bit more because of it. Wren Aubrey Latham has written about being open to trying new things and how it can make our lives that much richer.

I love theatre like this. [24/10/11]

"Tribute to the Mouse King" is the play to produce during the Christmas season. Ky Weeks has created a marvelous underdog tale with humor, sadness, rage, homages galore to Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker," darkness, a lot of theatricality, and an uplifting ending -- especially if you're a mouse.

"Tribute to the Mouse King" will entertain, frighten, and delight audiences of all ages. And it will be so much fun for actors, designers, and directors. This is the Christmas play to produce. [24/10/10]

With some plays, an audience will know the ending in advance; the fun comes in discovering how the characters will get there. That's the case with Philip Middleton Williams' short, romantic fantasy/drama "Going There" -- and Williams delivers the goods with his skill. The characters are terrific as is the plotting. The theatricality of this play is high, and it's easily produced.

Adam Richter has grounded "The Witch Trial of Margery" in a very specific time and location, but its plot and themes seem -- unfortunately -- timeless: Science, reason, and objective evidence battle against hearsay, rumors, and fools who believe lies to remain in favor of a ruler.

This is a heroic play, a bloody and visceral play, a play about empathy and understanding set in a time when it would be easy to have neither. [24/10/07]

"Twelve Books" is a beautiful consideration about father-son bonds and understanding, the importance of story, and gratitude for the time we have together. It has the feel of delving into a photo album and remembering -- a quiet, embracing short play by Philip Middleton Williams. [24/10/07]

This short monologue is an ode to resilience and it is just lovely. Matthew Weaver shows that, yes, our thoughts can derail us from things we want to do, things we need to do, but people -- in this case, Performer in "A Sudden Sense of Melancholy" -- also are able to continue on their way and experience joy and pleasure. "A Sudden Sense of Melancholy" is honestly uplifting and it would be soothing to see and hear performed live. [24/10/02]