Recommended by Claudia Haas

There is so much fun to be had in a couple that has been married so long they can now only talk in cliches. And while these cliches mask a growing tension between the couple, they also show the comfort level of what can be said. A deceptively simple piece that maybe masks irritation. And maybe shows us a couple who can tell truths to each other and still be together. Who knows? Levine leaves it up to us decide if indeed all’s well that ends well.

A creative tale as only children can tell it - as they face their fears and worries. Everyone has had a “Marvin” in their life - and many have indeed made him an alien. I love how bits and pieces of “real life” become fantastical as the children tell their tale. Creative and poignant and a lovely ride for the young - whether they are onstage or off.

I love the idea of families as small universes. Philip Middleton Williams cements that idea with his travellers flying in the sky in our own universe to visit their small universe. And then there’s Star Trek to just tie it together. A lovely little gem of connections forged and missed and how today we travel because our small universes are expanding - yes, just as our universe is. Clever and sweet.

I so wanted to see the house, and even dreamed with Ellie of being in that house. The eye-opener at the end was a succinct description of “be careful what you wish for…” Lermond turns a unique eye on that famous proverb.

Sammy’s Game is a roller coaster ride through varying degrees of darkness leaving you wondering if light will ever come again. Harrowing and sitting at the edge of my seat, I read on truly worried about these two damaged people and what it cost them to wind up in “the game.” A compelling thriller.

Change is good, right? Giving up bacon is good for your health, right? Fairy tales have truths. Even if you knock them upside down and simmer them in butter - you’ll find a truth. Ava Love Hanna found a whole lot of new truths in this delightful twist of a pig’s tail. Join the fun, read it, produce it and you decide if it needs buttering up. A delight from head to tail.

I love how (Re)Dressing Miss Havisham is not just a feminist twist on an old story but a delving into her character - to the most minute details and coming up with a theory that Dickens may not have meant - but he clearly wrote. Beginning with a criminologist investigation and using excerpts from the book, Minigan skillfully weaves a tale of how Miss Havisham came to be, how she gambled and won and lost - as gamblers do. A tour de force for an actress and a compelling mystery.

This is way too much fun as a reader - I can imagine the chortles of the majority of theatre goers in the audience - who yes - are women. Empowering, devilish, charming and all too true. Yes, Virginia there is “hair harassment.” Well done.

Haven’t we all - at one time or another - been told to stay in our place? What if you do not know where your place is? Or worse, you know your place but nobody else knows theirs. Martineau’s theatrical play is a touchstone for inclusion, diversity and that state of being we can all relate to - being a teen in high school. He weaves a tale that is wholly believable and absurd at the same time. Teen actors will dive into this with enthusiasm as will their audience.

I, too, am all eyes and ears when it comes to time travel. Brandon’s ability to keep turning those tables in a scant ten minutes left me breathless. The humor crackles and the characters’ secrets and reveals will keep you guessing. It’s enticing, fun and a scary roller coaster ride that you won’t want to miss.