Peter MacNicol fashions his own furtive pocket of craziness, and Christopher Durang contributes a bright, subversive cameo.

NEWYORKER: Housesitter

In the world of Christopher Durang, the guy texting is actually onstage interrupting a play he's watching.

WSJ: Review: Durang's 'Vanya and Sonia' a zany joy

Christopher Durang's "Vanya and Sonia" beat out "The Assembled Parties" for best play honor on the fourth ballot.

WSJ: Critics' Circle names 'Matilda' top musical

Maybe a sterling comedy, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, " by Christopher Durang, will capture the mood?

WSJ: Sorting Tony's Ballot

Three old hands, however, wrote thoroughly impressive new plays that were all done off-Broadway: John Patrick Shanley's "Storefront Church" opened at the Atlantic Theater Company, Christopher Durang's "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike " came to Lincoln Center Theater, and Terrence McNally's "Golden Age" was presented in the Manhattan Theatre Club's downstairs space at City Center.

WSJ: Teachout's Best of 2012 Includes Salesman, A Little Night Music