The title of this volume doesn"t begin to express its usefulness as the single best reference book on American theater. The condensed plays (representative stretches of dialogue bridged by synopses) are just the half of it. The book lists complete production information for every Broadway and off-Broadway show and extensive info for other shows in New York and around the United States. It includes cast listings, major replacements, producers, directors, authors, composers, opening and closing dates, song titles, and much more. The best plays of the year? Master Class by Terrence McNally, Molly Sweeney by Brian Friel, Mrs. Klein, by Nicholas Wright, Rent, by Jonathan Larson, Seven Guitars, by August Wilson, The Skriker by Caryl Churchill, Curtains by Stephen Bill, A Far Country by Jon Robin Baitz, New England by Richard Nelson, and Valley Song by Athol Fugard. It"s hard to argue with that list.