Raya Malcolm, Avery Whitted, Maya Jackson, Matt Neely, Peggy Pharr Wilson, and Robert Zukerman Photo by Roman Iwasiwka

This mid-winter blast of very fresh theatre begins with an opening spin on "One," a song from A Chorus Line. BSC Artistic Director Alan Paul will feature the classic musical this summer and he kicks off the set of short plays with his entire cast singing Matt Neely's fun lyrics. That leads directly into Scott Mullen's Best By Date. Neely plays Paul, who has a "best by date" usage designation tattooed onto the bottom of his foot. Ann (Maya Jackson) is flabbergasted when he takes off his shoe and sock, in a restaurant, to show her. Their server, Becca (Raya Malcolm), gets involved as well. Call this nifty script, directed by Matthew Penn, cute and clever.

Paul then directs Cricket, by Erin Osgood. Peggy Pharr Wilson, as Elise, and Robert Zukerman, playing Paul, have performed many times together during previous 10x10 occasions. This time, she hears something in her living space and the initial moments are light ones. However, she is preparing for a funeral for her husband. He appears on stage and the actual circumstance cannot be avoided.

Cynthia Faith Arsenault penned Do You Hear An Echo? in which Paul directs Neely, Jackson, Wilson, and Malcolm. The lead character of this most imaginative play is none other than Alexa. Anything personal which previously existed is now not so private. Alexa reaffirms by saying "I am now syncing with household computers." Watch out.

What if you went to a library to find a book and the librarian was, instead, far more determined to serve you a mixed drink? Such is the case when Zach (actor Avery Whitted) greets people from behind his desk in Top Shelf Tolstoy, written by Maximillian Gill and directed by Moira O'Sullivan.

O'Sullivan then directs David MacGregor's A Modest Proposal II. Some observers will appropriately think about Jonathan Swift's satire entitled "A Modest Proposal." The current small play cast of characters includes three state senators: Bev (Wilson), Carol (Jackson), and Larry (Neely). This work has reference to Planned Parenthood, a recommendation for vasectomies, and the catch phrase, "Snip and Chip!" Enough said.

After intermission, the show resumes as director Penn works with Whitted, Neely, Malcolm, and Zukerman on James McLindon's Tannenbaum. This is perhaps the evening's most piercing and poignant play which addresses homelessness on Christmas Eve. Martin (Whitted) must decide whether he should sell a tree to a young woman (Malcolm) who claims she has the cash to buy (for her bereft father) if only he would trust her to get to her car. The playwright designates that the tree lot be situated in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, which might be a stone's throw away from the BSC St. Germain Theatre where 10x10 continues. This not a lengthy play but an impactful one that delves into emotions.

Samara Siskind's Missed Connections is another snappy second half offering. O'Sullivan directs Whitted (Ben), Jackson (Sloan), and Malcolm (Margot). During the very first exchange, Sloan and Ben admit to seeing one another earlier in the day at Whole Foods. Margot comes along later in this very, very contemporary play.

Alan Paul has said that it has taken much time to decide upon the order of the plays (not all of which have been mentioned) and he is pleased to find something new with each and every performance. It's a wonder, frankly, that with what is probably a fairly short rehearsal period, these artists are able to bring a superlative, smashing compilation to reality. While it would be a stretch to suggest the production is long on sets, requisite furnishings come and go as some combination of stagehands and actors work smoothly. The actors must be figuratively fast on their feet to move from a given episode and (changing clothes) to the next. It's all top-notch and theatregoers' best in show lists would most likely differ.

The 10x10 New Play Festival runs through March 15, 2026, at Barrington Stage Company, 36 Linden St., Pittsfield MA. For tickets and information, please call 413-242-6411 or visit barringtonstageco.org.