This annual chronicle of United States theater continues its long tradition of preserving the history of theater in the United States. For this 86th edition, essays written by noted theater critics and writers celebrate the season and the ten best plays of 2004-2005. The series also continues to track the finest in resident theater by honoring three regional plays cited by the American Theater Critics/Steinberg New Play Award and Citations. In addition to providing a variety of historical perspectives for the study and enjoyment of theater lovers, scholars, and students, Best Plays includes a compendium of facts and figures on the theater season on Broadway, Off Broadway, Off Off Broadway, and in resident theaters throughout the country. Together, the essays, statistics, and dozens of photographs offer readers the fullest possible overview of the year in United States theater. The Best Plays of 2004-2005 (in alphabetical order) are: After Ashley by Gina Gionfriddo (Essay by Elizabeth Maupin) Brooklyn Boy by Donald Margulies (Essay by Michael Feingold) Democracy by Michael Frayn (Essay by Chris Jones) Doubt by John Patrick Shanley (Essay by Jeremy McCarter) Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson (Essay by Christopher Rawson) Guantanamo by Victoria Brittain and Gillian Slovo (Essay by Charles Wright) Hot 'n' Throbbing by Paula Vogel (Essay by David Savran) A Number by Caryl Churchill (Essay by Robert Hurwitt) The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh (Essay by John Istel) Romance by David Mamet (Essay by Robert Vorlicky)