Recommended by Claudia Haas

Now and forever... unless you are divorcing... commemorating a love even if the love is past. Bittersweet, truthful, and honest, Cavanaugh covers the development of a relationship. In just a few pages, you see the early love and the progression into divorce. And you wish that they would have made it.

Wistful and yearning. Memories can soothe and be salt on a wound. Rushton explores them side-by-side as the characters (seen and unseen) endear themselves to you. Heartfelt remembrances of love past and present.

What a pleasure it is to have June have her say. After seeing many productions of Gypsy, I always wanted more of June. What happened to the breadwinner of many years? DeVita does a stellar job of giving us June Havoc/Havick and the contentious relationship she had with Gypsy/Louise. Her fight for her say in how her life is portrayed resonates. We know the fable. DeVita gives us new perspective. A theatre would do well to stage this as a companion piece to Gypsy (using the same cast!). A talkback after would finally be illuminating.

It is unusual to find a play about writing that doesn’t include crumpled pieces of paper thrown around and typewriters (computers) thrown out windows. Gacinski finds the passion in creating, the reality of predators (producers and yes, other writers), and the dream of creating something that resonates. Gacinski gives us lyrical poetry, a man searching for love in many aspects, and a setting ripe for art. Italy meets France meets USA and the collision breaks people. There are some clever, satirical references to theatre that are accurate. But you never stop hoping for the play that leaves you breathless.

Family secrets, half truths - they are not always born out of shame. Some of them just contain too much pain. Koppen does a lovely job introducing us to a fairly, close-knit family - foibles and all. At the height of what should be a joyous celebration, there is a knock at the door. And without any extraneous dialogue, you know that the celebration abruptly turned into mourning. The play turns a light on a family as we witness their world turn upside down. And you care.

A shrewd, little tale of culpability on a crime where you are the victim. Clever, with a lot of truths to be found here. Don’t limit this for a Me, Too program. Produce it widely.

This play took my breath away. Ziegler hits all the hot spots of family: pride, embarrassment, legacy, fear, and yes, love. Parenthood is unpredictable as is life. Ziegler drives this home in a play that manages disappointment with compassion and a special brand of love that only happens with awareness and acceptance. The play tackles the intricacies of the workings of a family with humor and a knowing eye.

‘I was already dead but in that moment...” so immediate, honest and concise. Last moments, last time for honesty, and last time for appreciation. A fresh look at friendship between two males - a scenario not often addressed. Hageman has her pulse on teens and it quickens the heart.

Everything in this play gives you happy surprises. It’s a charming, heartfelt story for young people. It’s also slyly clever, witty and gives young audiences a strong young female protagonist who takes charge. The adventure into the land of the ghouls is filled with theatrical possibilities that brought me into another world and another time. The theme of friendship resonates throughout. Hansen has a knack for bringing us into new lands that show us our worlds are based on a common humanity. (Aside: If I was still acting, I would love to be Horse.)

So many layers of me, too, child abuse, and silence. Silence as protection, silence as a weapon. Quick moving, honest, and searing, there is a lot to be uncovered here. A song can be more honest than a confession. A song heightens a reality. A song can tell a truth. A song heightens reality. And one must choose the words of a song carefully. A poignant look at coping when your world is shattered.