These latest compilations of short bursts of theatricality assembled by Harbison (after, e.g., The Best Women's Stage Monologues of 2008) bring us plays that, at their best, are like cold drinks of water on a summer day: bracing, refreshing, and startling. A noticeable number take place in cemeteries or funeral homes, locations where, in real life, emotions are at their most concentrated. The plays within each title are arranged according to casting needs (one male and one female, three females, etc.), and each play has been produced professionally (information on performance rights is included). Standouts from the Two Actors volume include A Funeral Home in Brooklyn, in which David Johnston gives new meaning to conspicuous consumption, and Ian August's Godfrey, about the real tooth fairy. Highlighting the Three or More Actors collection are Lisa Soland's The Other Shoe, which features a character known as "The dropper" (put two and two together here) and Vanessa David's Christmas play with a cast of often-overlooked but ever-present characters (Current Season). VERDICT The comedic selections among these plays reinforce the ridiculous predicament of the human condition, while the dramatic take us to the edge of the tragic (some of these are reminiscent of the best Twilight Zone episodes). Get two to five of your friends together and put on a show�or three. For drama students and anyone auditioning.�Larry Schwartz, Minnesota State Univ. Lib., Moorhead
—Larry Schwartz
