Student Blog: Mary's Summer Specials

It's summer time, which means, hopefully, there's some extra free time for relaxing. For this blog, I have compiled a list of my latest favorites. Enjoy!

Theatre Books/Plays:

Staging Sex by Chelsea Pace

-This is a wonderful, current introductory text regarding intimacy work in theatre.

In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks

-All of Suzan-Lori Parks plays are revolutionary, but this particular piece is authentically bold.

You Got Older by Clare Barron

-Clare Barron stands as a phenomenal, strong, comedic female playwright. Combining hard, challenging topics with dark comedy is prevalent in all of Barron's work but particularly in You Got Older.

The Effect by Lucy Prebble

-If you enjoy futuristic, heavy, existential reads this play was written for you. The Effect would definitely be an episode of Black Mirror.

Personal Reads:

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

-Doyle's text regarding sexuality, struggles, and identity combines into a thought-provoking, empowering read.

The Host + Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer

-Step back into your high school Twilight fangirl phase with Meyer's new book Midnight Sun, offering a new perspective to this iconic story from Edward's perspective. Not into vampires or cringy relationships? Check out the The Host, an underrated read, questioning societal powers' influence on futuristic humanity.

Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu

-Yes, I enjoy vampire stories...This short story is a lesbian vampire fantasy, written in 1872. Hands down my favorite class required reading.

TV Shows:

Pose

-This TV series ventures into the 1980s ball culture while also shedding light to the AIDS epidemic. Pose is a phenomenal show, a must watch.

Orange is the New Black

-Centered in a women's prison, Orange is the New Black is a female power house show. This show makes you feel everything...joy, despair, jealousy, anger while stepping into the lives of the prisoners.

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars

-Drag Race is on all the time it feels like, but All Stars is great to catch up with former queens as they climb to the crown to become an All Star.

Movies:

But I'm a Cheerleader

-This 90s film is a must for queer folks. Speaking of RuPaul, he is one of the teachers of a sexual orientation changing boot camp.

Luca

-Everyone already knows to watch this movie...Can't go wrong with a Disney movie!

Small Businesses:

Bey's Rock Shop

-Located in the Lehigh Valley? Check out this FABULOUS crystal store. Great prices, great rocks, great people. https://beysrockshop.com/

Earthy Amulets

-Earthy Amulets is a US-based, natural jewelry store. Their pendants are made from pinecones and stones, great for all the wanna-be hippies out there. https://earthyamulets.com/

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lead Performer in a Musical - Top 3

1. LJ Benet - The Lost Boys, A New Musical

15.8% of votes

2. Joshua Henry - Ragtime

15.4% of votes

3. Nicholas Christopher - Chess

8.9% of votes

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