As the writer of Two Girls:
"Allie Costa's piece takes your breath away, even as it addresses the terror of sexual assault. Works like this are what theatre is all about: touching the heart, strengthening the soul." - Words of Choice
"Innovative in its structure and moving in its message, Two Girls strikes into the heart of a tough subject and never lets up. A masterful work." - Ross Tedford Kendal
"A tale that grabs resilience by the throat. A powerful showcase of the impact of trauma." - Theatre & Tonic
"Allie Costa's succinct piece employs the metaphor of a forest to symbolize the agonizing realities of sexual assault. The poignant portrayal, enriched with seamlessly intertwined words, ignites a blend of outrage and optimism, highlighting the enduring journey toward reclaiming identity and healing post-trauma." - Fringe Biscuit
"Lean, incisive, and razor-sharp. This is an intense and lyrical piece full of understated yet powerful theatricality. Sure to make an impact." - Ruben Carbajal
"Sparse, quick, and laser-sharp, the play is powerful. You won't easily let go of this play." - Claudia Haas
"This play moves with lightning quickness, but also strikes the reader with an electric jolt as we are reminded of the randomness with which violence can occur and the long-term ramifications of it. It's a sobering, poetic work that deserves to be seen even more." - Mike Solomonson
"A rhythmic, probing, passionate piece. Quick but lingering. Powerful." - Connie Schindewolf
"Poetic, sad, and beautiful. Costa has come up with a great visual concept to tell her tale. She makes a powerful point about trauma and how it stays with us the rest of our lives." - Dan Taube
As the writer of Music of the Mind:
"Beautiful and poetic, with a razor-sharp edge, Costa's dialogue leaps through time, finding relevancy and traction in our contemporary world. An exquisite examination of women and the history of mental health treatment, bringing a century's old conversation into our hearts and minds." - Rachael Carnes
"Oh, what a wonderful world it would be if we were all a little more like Charles from this stunning little play! In this vignette between two siblings, the older brother chooses to believe in his sister's experience of the world rather than denying her unique reality - and that, I think, is the definition of love. The piece uses simple but rich language to evoke the peaceful outdoor setting. The dialogue is sweet and natural, and the piece ends with a memorable final image. This play is truly gentle and kind - there is so much heart here. Lovely." - Aly Kantor
As the writer of Phantom Pains:
"Costa does a masterful job both capturing what our military men and women must go through as they return to the U.S. after an injury, and as a storyteller, hooking the audience and then delivering one hell of a powerful final moment, one which immediately prompts a revisiting of everything that's come before. Phantom Pains is an exquisitely crafted short story." - Matthew Weaver
"A stunning monologue, taut and relentless, that opens up into a cadence so clear and poetic. Costa finds a taproot of grief in this remarkable moment." - Rachael Carnes
As the writer of Cut and Run:
"Such a charming two-hander. Costa's dialogue sparkles, and Holly and Olive are two of the warmest, most relatable characters I've read in a long, long time. I love the way the plot unfolds, never maudlin or ham-fisted, but delicately, and with great humor and strength. A wonderful showcase for two women." - Rachael Carnes
As the writer of Pulse:
"Clever, lovely, and heartbreaking, Pulse is a remarkable short play: one that takes you through a historical journey without ever feeling over-explained or rushed. In fact, quite the opposite is true: Martin, Jocelyn, and Antony are lived-in, relatable characters even though they represent a remarkable moment in history. I was especially struck by the cleverness and natural warmth of the dialogue between the three. Recommended for any short play festival!" - Bethany Dickens Assaf
As the writer of Femme Noir:
"Allie Costa's award-winning noir turn is a tightly written thriller that changes things up by introducing a female P.I. as tough as any Dashiell Hammett detective. Great characters, surprising plot twists. And maybe the perfect crime. This is a great read and no doubt a treat for audiences!" - Morey Norkin
"What a refreshing take this is on the noir genre, not just by having a female private investigator, but also the clever way in which Costa displays her sideline characters. I really enjoyed this play and the plot line, with its twists and turns, holds up well. Great!" - Christopher Plumridge
As the writer of Drop in the Ocean:
"Allie Costa's Drop in the Ocean ended the evening on an upbeat note, giving the audience hope and optimism for the future with a reminder of humankind's potential. It was a graceful ending to the program." - Arts Louisville
"Costa's imagistic and tender play resonates with loss, of a future. Its intelligence balanced with bold theatricality, this dialogue creatively takes on climate change from a new vantage point. Costa's nuanced language delves from the cellular to the celestial, tripping us up in the midst of our concerns, with an uncanny sense of hope. Not sure how she even does this! A perfect addition to a festival on the environment and climate change." - Rachael Carnes
As the writer of Boxes Are Magic:
"A fantastic short play: funny, smart, and full of heart. Allie Costa cleverly verbalizes the inner thoughts of our feline friends. Whether you are a cat person or not, you will find it absolutely hysterical. Both characters are terrific roles that actors will love to play, especially Cali. Boxes Are Magic would be a great part of any short play festival." - Steven Hayet
"This play is great. It's moving day for Yasmine and her cat, Cali, but Cali refuses to get in her carrier. It's an adorable dialogue between a human and her cat (and not a campy cat, not a human dressed in a furry cat costume, just an actor playing a cat), and then you find out WHY it's moving day, and everything shifts. Sweet, funny, and with a message that hits home. It's fabulous." - Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend
"Allie Costa shines a light, in a fun, creative, compassionate, and constructive way, on climate change and its effect on one very small family - and by extension, potentially on any of us." - Micki Shelton
"Costa knows her cats and her cat knows her boxes. Anyone with a cat has had this 'discussion.' But in Boxes Are Magic, this discussion is a life or death issue. Costa takes a pressing issue and makes it very personal. The play's humor underscores the seriousness of the circumstances. The play resonates." - Claudia Haas
As the writer of A Taste of the Future:
"There's an adventure here - and it's a soulful one. I'm a sucker for time travel and Costa's play delivers a nice twist. A Taste of the Future is filled with hope. In just a few pages, you care about the characters. They are on a mission and you want so badly for them to get what they want. The poignant ending delivers. You are left wanting more." - Claudia Haas As the writer of Mindstream:
"In a setting of fantastic technological advancement, the characters wrestle with the potential of scientific achievement and the consequences of clinical trials. The emotional depth of the characters' struggles are clear and touching, embracing the fears and realities of many who face memory loss. A beautiful conversation starter for the audience to ponder, as we live in a world where the future possibilities in neuroscience bring us face to face with the benefits and risk along the way." - Anastasia Wild
"Costa plays with the temptation to preserve memories in the face of real diseases which threaten our minds. You know companies are already at work on programs very similar to Mindstream. Costa delicately, exquisitely balances the temptation to pursue such endeavors with the very real dangers of making things worse/losing control. This one is sure to generate LOTS of conversation. Bonus points for the way Costa plays with time in this play. She dares to explore beyond the theatrical edges." - Matthew Weaver
"This play has so many ups and downs and such a great blend of humor and drama, which really pulled me into the story. The plotline works so well with the technology-based world that we are currently living in. I resonate with the character relationships, where the sibling bond seems genuine and the love interest feels real and unique. The plot intrigues me and reveals the importance of neurological care. Allie Costa does an amazing job creating excitement for not only the actors, but for the audience as well." - Jordan Lavalle
As the writer of The Last Good Night:
"So many families include attending a production of The Nutcracker as part of their most cherished holiday traditions. This memory play jumps between two timelines, exploring one woman's relationship to the concept of family tradition, and why it can be so fraught for some. I found the ending incredibly cathartic, as the protagonist takes pains to break a toxic cycle and attempts to fix something long broken - not unlike a certain girl and her nutcracker. For a short play, it has an epic feel, with flexible, bare-bones staging that adds to the story rather than taking away. Magical!" - Aly Kantor
As the writer of Don't Shoot the Messenger Pigeon:
"An intriguing game of one-upmanship with many neat and amusing twists of plot and expectations along the way." - Berkshire on Stage
"This is one clever play. Assassins have nothing on this. Funny while being disturbing and silly but with murderous intent, it’s a play for the ages. Especially if the ages include murder (hint: they all do)." - Claudia Haas
"For Allie Costa's Don't Shoot the Messenger Pigeon, [director] Julianne Boyd takes a sardonic tone in a merry comedy of manners and self-interest. Jane Pitsch and Lucky Gretzinger get to exchange the sort of looks that actors love to use, those confusing elemental emotional gazes that sometimes say more than the words behind them. This is a production of mini-masterworks by a group of very talented playwrights." - The Berkshire Edge
As the writer of 20 Questions:
"Adorable. Kelsey and Ian are so sweet, funny, and honest - their relationship is something all couples should strive for. And the end made me squeal!" - Chelsea Frandsen
"Costa is able to give the simple situation of two lovers asking questions energy and humor. With characters that are both believable and likable, she makes us care about their lives. The resolution is charming." - Alex Wilkie
As the writer of Blue Christmas:
"In Blue Christmas, Allie Costa takes us on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride, but one that just doesn't just hit the extremes -- it covers those in-between emotions as well. A good play is one that makes you keep thinking about it well after you've read it or seen it performed; Blue Christmas is one of those plays." - Randy Hunt
"So many of us forget that what is supposed to be the most joyous time of the year can be the worst for so, so many. Blue Christmas brings that out front and center and for anyone who's ever been that down to pick up the phone to make that call, this play shows us the true spirit of what Christmas should be, blue or not." - Lee Lawing
As the writer of Safe Distance:
"Smart, measured, and expertly structured, Costa's play combines a meet-cute with a [spoiler] to create a workplace play that uses a firm grasp of naturalism to deliver a moving, otherworldly reveal. Even if you know [spoiler] going in, there's a remarkable tension in waiting for the shoe to drop. Favorably brings to mind Pinter's Victoria Station, one of my favorite short plays!" - Ruben Carbajal
As the writer of How I Knew Her:
"I was once advised that everyone has a story and it's important to honour that. That is what Allie has done wonderfully well here in creating a character who wants to honour other people's stories and that's what she does in her style of writing. In addition to that wonderful premise, Allie's created a wonderfully emotional interaction between what starts out as two strangers, but through their own stories, the audience are invited to discover more and more about them, and what you end up with is a wonderfully intimate piece that an audience would be privileged to see." - Rachel Feeny-Williams
"Beautiful play that I am better off for having read. This is doing so much that plays can do, with its language, its characters, its theatricality, especially in terms of its props, which would be exciting to create. Costa writes with great sincerity and insight. I highly recommend it!" - Emma Goldman-Sherman
As the writer of In the Heist:
"An almost perfect play. Funny, a little edgy, but then totally sweet and charming. Really well conceived and executed. I'm so glad I found this. Thank you, Allie!" - William J. Goodwin
"In the Heist is delightful. It just kept heightening and heightening and heightening for ten hilarious pages. It's so smart and so funny. I can't wait to read more of Allie Costa's work!" - Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend
"This play is so much fun; I gasped at every surprising twist! Allie Costa presents the dialogue so cleverly, and creates such a humorous and exciting plotline. The various and dynamic characters give actors so much to play with and create. The ending was completely unexpected, and added such a fun element to work with. I absolutely adore this play." - Jordan Lavalle
As the writer of Yes, And...:
"If you're searching for a fun piece that's perfect for virtual performance, take a look at this short from Allie Costa. It will remind you of every improv class you've ever taken. Everyone's either a Grizz or a Kristiana. Fun, polarized, memorable characters, who ultimately manage to find an accord." - Greg Burdick
"Relatable comedy comes from all the things Allie Costa has on display here: Characters with enough of a difference of viewpoints to make the interaction interesting, a common goal approached from uncommon angles, some fears and insecurities thrown in for good measure, and improv, which, as Grizz states, is really what life is all about. Clever and fun." - John Busser
"The play is undeniably a comedy as we watch our online scene partners struggle to get in sync with each other - [then] other emotional layers are discovered as they come to understand what has occurred in the other's life and the need for letting down their guards. As a result, we get the satisfaction of seeing a subtle bond form." - Mike Solomonson
As the writer of Clean Slate:
"Costa confronts the complex and sometimes difficult relationship between siblings as Claire grapples with how to give and receive forgiveness. She uses the virtual platform in a way that is seamless to the audience, letting us focus on the heartfelt and sometimes humorous moments between these characters. I highly recommend this ten minute play as a welcome addition to any virtual fest." - Pamela Morgan
As the writer of Faking Glory:
"A lovely play with great roles for young actors. Costa nails the angst, humor, and vitality of her characters and makes an audience feel as if we're just flies on the wall watching life play out." - Stephen Kaplan
"This is such a sweet play about young friendship and the difficulty of the social system that begins in high school. Every shy person needs a friend like Carlos, and every confident person hiding a sliver of insecurity under their fabulousness needs a supporter like Marija. This right here is true love." - Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
"A really sweet and well-written piece focusing on friendship and survival in today's social climate for teenagers. High school can be a crappy place, but having friends like Carlos makes getting through fourth period a heck of a lot easier. Really brilliant stuff!" - Cole Hunter Dzubak
As the writer of Piece of Cake:
"A sweet, fresh, and creative take on a well-known nursery rhyme! I loved the dialogue between Maple and her father, as well as the comic relief provided by sole employee, Flynn!" - Evan Baughfman
"This piece is so sweet! Costa has baked up a cute little twist on an infamous rhyme. I love this play!" - Hannah Lee DeFrates
As the writer of Raise Your Hand:
"A 21 gun salute to 2Cents Theatre Group for their 3-day INK Festival of 21 Plays. My favorite was Allie Costa's sensitive Raise Your Hand about the disintegration of a love affair, directed by Miranda Stewart." - Theatre Spoken Here
As the writer of Can You Keep a Secret?
"Can You Keep a Secret is smart and fun and dangerous." - Kathleen Cecchin
As the writer of Low Light:
"Low Light by Allie Costa follows a grim tale of two detainees. The more they expose their pasts, the scarier their predicament becomes. A novel premise that delightfully requires some deducing. Figuring out the revelations makes the play engaging." - Lansing City Pulse
As the writer of She Has Seen the Wolf:
"The pieces at the Herstory festival held no punches - gritty, mesmerising, and just plain real. She Has Seen the Wolf by Allie Costa was chilling." - Francesca Mepham
"Wow. Allie Costa [addresses] an important message in modern society and connects it with a classic fairytale, allowing the message to be understood by a wide audience." - Jordan Lavalle
As the writer of Listening in the Library:
"Costa's energy, wit, and heart are on full display in this. Opposites, one studious to a fault, the other open and caring, forge a connection in the midst of a school lockdown drill.
Teen audiences (and audiences of all ages) would find something to relate to. We have all been one or the other of these girls at some point in our lives." - Matthew Weaver
As the writer of This Used to Be My Playground:
"This Used to Be My Playground is a gift to actors and directors. The play is filled with wit and good-natured fun, but there is also a sense of melancholy about it. I directed it with a group of kids (ages 9-17), and they had a wonderful time! I love this play, and Allie Costa is a dream to work with." - Andrea Hart
As the writer of Tofurkey Day:
"In Tofurkey Day, Allie Costa puts a fun spin on the awkward Thanksgiving family dinner. Moira has something important to tell her family. Can they stomach what she has to say? If you are looking for plays for a Thanksgiving festival, make sure Tofurkey Day is on your plate!" - Steven Hayet
As the writer of Heartsong:
"A lovely piece charting an artist's experience and determination in a dialogue between older and younger versions of herself. Costa interweaves music effortlessly, creating a magical interplay for the audience, likely dropping them into memory, too." - Rachael Carnes
As the writer of Two:
"A step closer to home, but deceptively deep, Two started as a paean to music and good times. [Then] the true purpose of this piece is revealed: both female and male survivors of rape relating their respective experiences - except that as we hear them talking, we find there is very little difference between them - the violation is identical." - Female Arts Magazine, 4 star review
As the writer of What's Past is Prologue:
"Costa does it again! This is such an inspiring and interesting story that could easily be produced with only a stack of books, a desk, and a chair." - Timothy Gadomski
As the writer of Low Tide:
"Such a sweet play! It is filled with so much heart and the characters provide fantastic acting opportunities for talented young actors!" - Kate Danley
As the writer of You Otter Know:
"Informational and engaging, with a winning set of characters. You Otter Know would be fun for young audiences, especially at a site-specific venue like a zoo or aquarium." - Steven R. Martin
"Wow. [You Otter Know] is heartfelt and informational. It would be great in schools and aquariums/zoos. I've studied environmental science over the years and my father is a NYS Conservationist, so this script means a lot to me. I hope it gets many productions." - Timothy Gadomski
As the writer and director of Dear Neighbor:
"Costa has created a very fun piece that will speak to anyone who's lived in an apartment. From furniture moving to laundry room etiquette, Costa covers it all. Well done!" - Steven Hayet
As the writer of Creature Comforts:
"What a complete delight is this brief insight into the work of Milicent Patrick. Allie Costa has beautifully brought Milicent and her most famous creation to our attention in this lovely little fantasy, with strong points made about the lack of respect and credit given to Milicent for her work. A lovely short two-hander which almost begs to be developed into a longer and more detailed story. Fabulous." - Paul Smith
As the writer of Altared State:
"An exciting and fast-paced play in which a chance encounter gives way to a thoughtful connection between two New Yorkers. This fun and witty play gives way to two exciting and completely unique characters who are able to share their experiences and lessons they have learned with one another. It is upbeat and full of surprises!" - E.V. Cummins
"A very tight little script. Great characters, engaging dialogue, and a fresh situation to really bring out the comedy in the piece. Excellent writing." - Dan Taube
"A bride all alone on the front stoop...was she stood up? Left at the altar? It's more fun than that, and lessons are learned from the young man who stops by to visit his boyfriend." - Marj O'Neill-Butler
"A feisty sleight-of-hand comedy with assumptions proved wrong when a seemingly stood-up bride and a young man visiting his boyfriend meet and connect on the stoop of an apartment block. Sharp-tongued but heart-in-the-right place Lexi and gentle and thoughtful Denver [are] a chance for two actors to show their comedy timing chops." - Alice Josephs
As the writer of Provenance:
"Provenance is the kind of show that highlights the impact of moments, connection, grief, and hope. It reminds us of the complexity of healing and the power of memories." - Shiny Unicorns Productions
As the writer of Quality Assurance:
"Allie has created a wonderful snapshot of the world of cold calling that twists and turns... Then just when you least suspect it, she launches the ending at you. A play that's sure to entertain audiences and leave them speechless by the fabulous ending. Want to know what it is? Then read it! You won't regret it!" - Rachel Feeny-Williams
As the writer of Do You Want to Kill a Snowman?
"A little Hitchcock, a little Frozen, and a whole lot of fun! Clean enough that it could easily be performed by middle schoolers and high schoolers who grew up with Frozen, but also would be an absolute hoot to be performed by adults for those who suffered through the DVD so many times, they're ready to murder someone. It also has a little touch of holiday spirit, so if you've got a Christmas-themed evening, this would be great for that, too!" - Kate Danley
As the writer of Siblings:
"A great piece for young actors exploring real connections and conversations between siblings." - Janice Hibbard
As the writer of Glitter and Smoke:
"A lovely, well-paced monologue that paints this childhood memory with bold and lovely brushstrokes. A perfect actor audition selection!" - Vivian Lermond
"The right assembly of words become art, and Glitter and Smoke paints the picture perfectly. Full of emotion in every sentence, I loved this short monologue." - Len Cuthbert
"Glitter and Smoke is filled with the kind of beauty that would have emerged if Emily revisiting her 12th birthday in Our Town had been a good idea.
Allie Costa's monologue takes you by the hand and gently transports you to an unforgettable day. Filled not only with the events of the afternoon but also with the observations, lessons, and the most minuscule salient details, it's a beautiful and indelible mosaic of memory." - Scott Sickles
As the writer of Amelia, Still:
"Lovely! I adore this piece and how it offers up different options for performance as a monologue or a group piece, and I believe it would work well as either. I especially enjoy the gothic, fairytale vibes this piece gives off, and how they are handled with a very contemporary feel. In such a small package, this piece offers plenty for a director and actor(s) to play with." - Elisabeth Giffin Speckman
"A thrilling play about being adventurous, being dangerous, and being yourself in a world where everyone else plays it safe. A powerful metaphor for artists and anyone else who risks it all because it's the only way they know to be."
- James McLindon
As the writer of For the Love of a Llama:
"Great monologue for a youth performer! Lana is the perfect blend of rambunctious (she might run away to Peru if her parents won't let her get the llama) and thoughtful (llamas are maybe hypoallergenic?)
A great way to entertain thespian kids, alongside many of Costa's other short plays, and also a great introduction to Costa's excellent writing.
Plus, the world needs more llama plays. I'm sure you will agree." - Matthew Weaver
"This girl has the most ridiculous idea for an outdoor pet, but it's not stopping her make her point to her parents. She's got her argument and her support down pat and don't interrupt her. Confident, imaginative, this girl will charm judges at auditions or at a monologue competition." - Asher Wyndham
As the writer of Coffee and Cocoa:
"If you're looking for something to warm you up on a blustery winter day, try Coffee and Cocoa, a well-paced bit of storytelling that will leave you feeling satisfied. Really enjoyed this monologue!" - Vivian Lermond
"Relationships are hard to explain in words, sometimes. Oh, heck, they're hard to explain most if not all the time. But in this short monologue, Allie Costa sums up the friendship that was formed, grew, and ended in a short time period - but in a way, it doesn't really end. Charming, truthful, and honest." - Philip Middleton Williams
"Relatable to anyone who has had those on and off again, are we a couple or not kind of relationships. A great addition to any festival on relationships and love." - Asher Wyndham
"What I love most about this monologue is how it transports the reader into its world, and what a cozy world it is. And how cozy to have an amiable ex who still aims to please and a relationship that's become what it should have always been. Plus cocoa! I'm going to read it again." - Scott Sickles
"A sweet story that lends itself to realistic theater and can be done on stage or even on location! Funny and heartwarming." - Timothy Gadomski
"Cozy. The words invite you in, make you feel comfortable. Well done!" - Samantha Marchant
As the writer of Suzy's Summer:
"This monologue play is an unforgettable piece of the theater. The language is lyrical and layered, and the plot twist is heartbreaking -- a wonderful piece for a gifted young actor!" - Andrea Hart
As the writer of Power Pose:
"Power Pose opened the Faces of America Monologue Festival #3, and it is both the perfect curtain raiser and a tough act to follow! Anyone who's had a disastrous job interview - or worse, a series of disasters on their way to an interview - will relate to the struggle, the frustration, and the speaker's wrestling match with dignity. Power Pose is fun, funny, and inspiring!" - Scott Sickles |