Recommended by Claudia Haas

I settled in to read this - all cozy on a winter’s eve - expecting a vignette play (i do love those, and I love the setting - a lake) but was surprised and moved to find a play that was filled with sweet meditations. Meditations on life, grief, holding, letting go and searching the skies for meaning. Szymkowicz is a master in finding common humanity, the connections that bind us, separate us, and bring us to new understandings.

I did get a kick out of Deb Cole’s version of “every playwright’s nightmare.” Sly digs abound and the conversation about community theatre manages to be both ‘on the nose accurate but with affection.” Both roles have some clever dialogue and the twist at the end is fun - especially as Emily gets to seek revenge from every writer’s current nemesis - AI. Lively and timely.

A new (and funnier) version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus." Just a tad wicked for the holidays - like spiked egg nog. A merry play! Ho ho ho.

They could have danced all night under stars - if they could. The stars shine, the love shines, and their lives shine in synch with the world. Feeny-Williams weaves a romance that is magical and rich. Audiences will fall in love amongst the stars - even when they are brought back to earth. Feeny-Williams gives us a testament to love in all its facets and that love will stay with us.

Whoa ... if you've ever been afraid of dolls (and there are quite a few of us), do not read this. Actually, DO read this because it is proof everlasting that dolls are everlasting. This play is a new, quirky take on grief, possessions and letting go. Or not letting go. Or trying to let go. I love how the past, present and the future converge in this tale from the attic. It will leave you and audiences wanting more.

A sweet ode to female friendship, to care and to doing things with abandonment even in 110 degrees F heat. Heat can be frightening for some as highlighted here but caring has no boundaries. An ode to sisters by choice.

There is so much backstory infused in this play that needs no explanation - you breathe it in. The dialogue crackles, the tension builds, and Cathro gives us an ending that celebrates the best of endings in traditional Christmas stories. Real people, real stakes, a ham, and a truth. You cannot ask for more in a play.

I love the layers her in the mystery, in the couple, in the stuffing. (Some are better than others.) Christmas Eve, a grisly body, a lonesome man, a lonesome couple and somehow Sickles finds a sweetness to tie it together along with some pretty physical gymnastics that can cause your demise. An original Christmas offering with a touch of Christmas Past and Christmas Present. No sugarplums but a bit of poignant small bites.

Now that we all know the truth behind the person willing to do the dishes on Thanksgiving, we will all be dishwashers. Fantasy as saviors! Fantasy: 10. Reality: 0. Self-care has never been as sexy and fun as in this play. But I suspect things will change once audiences see this. And they should.

As a lake-lover, I would love to swim with a dragon, dontcha know? And then get ice cream. Floyd-Priskorn’s play is a treat for the young: ice cream and dragons. Who could ask for anything more? The young audiences and actors will delight in this mystery that can only be solved by young detectives.