Recommended by Claudia Haas

I do agree that olives are better than beans on a Christmas tree. I also agree with so many that this is an honest, sweet tale of friendship - no matter what the day. It’s the most wonderful gift of all.

Poignant, funny, and specific, Szymkowicz captures teenspeak beautifully at a time when speaking is difficult. While we get a sense of who Julie was, we also get a nuanced look at all of the characters. The remembrances are so specific, we can figure out their relationship to Julie and their relationship to themselves.

Characters who take the time to listen, loneliness unburdened, grief finally shared - a beautiful play highlighting what it is to be human. Rough Waters will stir your memory and help you offer gratitude for what is good in life.

So, yes it is absolutely absurd. And absolutely so true to life, you will cry. Vovos nails the “trying to carry on in a pandemic” as if everything was normal. And that’s what’s absurd. Funny and poignant, this play is timely and everlasting.

A lot of wishes are made when you read this. Can everyone be happy? Unlikely. Can father and daughter keep their bond? Fingers crossed.

It’s an original reminiscent of The Gift of the Magi - but with plumbing jokes. It’s sweeter than the short story (it’s possible), sillier (definitely possible), and a perfect fit for the holidays. Lermond’s knack for quick dialogue and characters bursting with humanity just shine.

There is so much to recommend here. I love how the play moves seamlessly back and forth in time. And I love-love (because English does not have enough variations on the word “love”), the use of other languages’ and cultures’ variations on the word “love.” The play is sweet without being cloying and a welcome respite from our chaotic, divided times.

History repeats. And history is scary. Carnes play gives us a look at a possible future firmly rooted in the past, present, and future. Any of the characters could be us. Some of the characters are us. A play rooted in a fluid time and space. A play rooted in our future. A play to be produced so the reality sinks in.

A gorgeous remembrance of love. Holding on, letting go… Szudrich finds all the elements that make up a relationship - past and present.

Hoax is a conversation I suspect many of us have had. There’s a fine line that is walked here and Lamedman does a fine job not crossing into stereotypical behavior. It’s a conversation that will likely not bear fruit but needs to be stated again and again. Actresses have a lot to work with in this short play and who knows? It may spark conversations in the audience.