Skylark By: Paula McLain

Oof!  Deeply upsetting stories of tribulation, suffering and hope both set in Paris almost 300 years apart.  Beautifully crafted, the stories of Alouette, Kristoff and Sasha are lovingly held by the author and generously shared with the reader.  Quiet in its power and determination it's very moving and ultimately hopeful. 

 

Ink By: James Graham

 

 

This was a second read of this intense play about the re-creation of The Sun under Rupert Murdoch and Larry Lamb's leadership. It's about giving people what they want...but at what expense.  You wouldn't think a play about the the putting out of a newspaper would be thrilling, but trust me it is!  

Our Mother's Brief Affair By: Richard Greenberg

 The first time I read this play, I wasn't all that thrilled with it.  I didn't really like the way it was structured.  With a second reading under my belt, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it and the structure didn't bother me.  

Peter Pan Goes Wrong By: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields, over J.M. Barrie

Another reading of this hilarious backstage and onstage "drama" was just as good fun and funny as the first read.  I would love to see a production of this piece, if only for the revolve gone haywire!

The Play That Goes Wrong By: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields

This is the third time I've read this, and it has not lost any of it's luster or hilarity!  It reads well, is laugh out loud funny and if you ever get a chance to see a production of it...GO!

A Steady Rain By: Keith Huff

This is my 3rd time reading this play.  I get something new form it, each time I revisit it. I highly recommend giving it a read!

Red Speedo By: Lucas Hnath

This is the second time I've read this stark piece on the American Dream.  Each of the 4 characters in this play is seeking something, and are willing to do pretty much anything to achieve their dream...until they're not.  Harsh and incredibly insightful, this is a stark look at life, dreams, aspirations and limits.  Hnath is quite brilliant in his ability to convey so much depth while having his characters say so little.

Other Desert Cities By: Jon Robin Baitz

A second read of this play, since it's back on Broadway. Still Packs a huge punch, and after having read Clybourne Park 3 times and seen half a production of it-Other Desert Cities was robbed of the Pulitzer and the Tony!

Erewhon Revisited By: Samuel Butler

As absurd as it's predecessor, but more focused, particularly with respect to religion. This one had a few passages that were a bit repetitive for me, which took me out of the narrative a bit, but still an enjoyable and fascinating read.

Erewhon By: Samuel Butler

 

  

While reading this I did laugh out loud at several points-mostly when I remembered that it was written 154 years ago.  Through most of this, however, I couldn't help but notice how a 150 year satire is incredibly relevant and downright frightening today.  Nothing has changed-which is a sad statement on the affairs of the world.