RIDGEFIELD - "An Evening of One Acts," at Ridgefield Theater Barn through March 31, is a knee slapping, laugh till your sides hurt good time. Every single play has a reason to stand out. Each is a comedic turn on everything, from life's most banal to the highly unusual. The humor is nonstop.

The art of the short form challenges the writer to condense the arc of their story into one that is immediate with its exposition and quick to the climax. Carol Mark masters this technique in just a few moments with her brief pieces, The Undertaking, The Other Other Man and Tip #5Import and Essence, also is a fine display of brevity and wit.. She directs all three of these to hilarious effect, yet they capture a hint of humanity with their camaraderie. Susan Goodell's

Two longer pieces by the very talented Albi Gorn - A Name By Any Other Name and Double Date - each tackle some inherent challenges of the dating scene, as does Janet Lawler's Good Grief.

Everyday activities and their complications are the subject of Netfits, a longer piece by Janet Lawler, and My Scale is Lying to Me by Scott Mullen.

Stephen Baluzy has written a very funny and charming play, The Great Thing About Me, featuring the office braggart, and everyone who has ever working in this setting knows one. It is during their routine activities that conflict erupts, making these plays oh so relatable.

Let me repeat, all of these plays are just terrific. That being said, there are two that truly set the bar.

Pilot by Jim Balestrieri is a take on art versus commercialism, featuring snappy, smart dialogue which makes the audience think. It is fabulously directed by David Fritsch and stunningly performed by Emily Volpintesta and Zach During.

The other is The Erythrosine Ballad, by Pat O'Neill, a clever and well-told tale of an imaginary, or maybe not, love. Chhanda Som and John Freyer play their chance meeting and sudden connection to perfection.

The direction by Debbie Levin is subtle, adding to the completely natural portrayal of a most unusual situation. Ms Som and Ms Volpintesta are each incredible talents.

Other terrific directors include Deborah Carlson, Florie Doyle, Nick Kaye, Kay Mayr, Linda Seay, and Alexis Vournazos.

Each actor deserves mention for their complete commitment to character and capacity for comedy. They include Chris Ceponis, Brian Detoma, Lore Franzese, Patricia Hozhauer, Nick Kaye, Kelly Kirby, Larry Kreely, Vincent J. Larusso, Cathy Malloy, Kristi Mckeever, Roberto Perez, Matthieu Regney, Elaine Reidy, Danette Riso, Stephanie Rosenberg, Stephen Ross, Ceri Travis, Kay Ullman, Donna White. Cheers to all.

Much credit goes to Ridgefield Theater Barn for promoting the talent of these writers and providing a venue for their work.

This is a super fun evening. It pairs well with a nice glass of wine and a tasty snack. Do go, because as an audience member asked, "Doesn't it feel so good to just laugh?" Yes it does!

The production continues weekends through March 31. Curtain is Friday and Saturday at 8 pm. There is one remaining matinee on Sunday, March 25, at 2 pm.

Tickets are $35 for adults, $28 for senior citizens, students and veterans. The theater barn, at 31 Halpin Lane in Ridgefield, can be reached at 203-431-9850 or ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org for reservations, directions and other information.

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