Recommended by Claudia Haas

After reading the character list, I knew I had to read the play immediately. I then immediately reread it because I suspected I missed some jokes (I did! I did! I did miss some jokes!) We all need a burst of silly in our days. Do yourself a favor, and get your silly dose here (and come back for a booster.) I am already jealous of the actors who will get to play these roles.

I have always wondered what made me an adult. Rachel Feeny-Williams exceeded my expectations as she laid bare expectations, contradicted them and made them personal. Concise and witty, you may want to take your own test and see if you qualify. Because there will be prizes. Prizes for being an adult - what a concept!

The spirit of Christmas lives in this poignant and heartfelt monologue. And while it is a Christmas story, it’s also a reminder of the “good” which is something we need all year. Surprising and specific, Cole Hunter Dzubak has fashioned a story for the ages.

An original, wild west tale, easily produced and easily understood in today’s norms. Original and nuanced with a duet of characters that will speak to us today. Life and death and a sunset.

As someone who has spent half her life in NYC and the second half in Minnesota, Below Zero spoke to me on so many levels. Watts explores a friendship? A kinship? through the lens of a beautiful and deadly winter. There’s an early mystery, an adventure, some hard truths, oh - and dogs, too. The dialogue is irresistible as are the characters. It’s a wonderfully theatrical and compelling take on a female-buddy story. Bring on the dog sled - it’s a fun, heart-stopping ride. Amazing opportunities for designers. Produce it. I’ll buy the 1st ticket.

I was drawn into the intrigue right from page 1 - reading furiously wanting to learn more. Plumridge has given us a nuanced play filled with chills and unexpected (but welcome) humor. Intricate and original, the play gives us a fresh outlook on a catastrophic time.

A winning combination of art, analysis and what is in the eye of the beholder. Hall combines all and let’s us see that what we actually see is the artist’s intent and no more. But -Maybe art is different from all eyes and just maybe that is fine. A lovely commentary on how art reaches us - individually.

Lawing always makes me feel and think. He shows us loss, love, and grief in a scant ten minutes. In the background, I hear “when will they ever learn?” from “Where Have all the Flowers Gone” and think - when will we ever learn. Evocative, beautiful writing.

That ending will stay with me forever. As will the joy ride that Foster takes us on. Sweet and salty and with a pinch of bittersweet. Two stellar roles for women!

Christmas in August? Why not? It was a great pleasure to chill with Levine’s play. He has a way of finding laughter without sacrificing character - actually deepening the character - on every page. There were holiday surprises galore. Treat yourself to an early present. You’ll be craving gingerbread men (or latkes) by the end of the play.