| Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...The music was a lot of fun last weekend — and the lyrics are quite rich and savvy in that quirky, post-modern way. And when the band is playing, the show is warm and palatable. But when the music stops, the story wanders off into wilderness. We desperately need a sense of time, something that can root us in a human, sensual world of searching, underpinned by music."
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Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...
The music, performed by a five-piece onstage ensemble, offers a lovely lilting counterpoint to the dramatic action. In its second act, when Billy rather mysteriously takes up with a pair of Latino day laborers, the play becomes temporarily bilingual, an intriguing and effective choice. And among generally solid performances, Sean Ellis stands out as a ranting stand-up comic. Despite the copious local color and quasiphilosophical musing, though, That Sordid Little Story, like its amiably bland protagonist, never makes all that deep an impression."
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Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"... New Colony's approach also yields waste and confusion. Seemingly important plot points don't go anywhere, characters act arbitrarily, and there's so much pointless motion that you could cut an hour out of this 150-minute evening without doing it a bit of harm. Basically, the show needs a strong editorial and directorial hand, which may run counter to New Colony's sense of process. So the question is, When is a process freeing and when does it hold you back?"
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NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Could The New Colony’s “That Sordid Little Story” be one of the best original musicals that Chicago has produced in years? I certainly think so. Because while not everyone may be a fan of bluegrass, the storytelling could use a tad more attention and the set design is a bit of an interesting mess, there is no denying that “That Sordid Little Story” is dramatically gripping, musically soaring and oftentimes emotionally devastating."
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Centerstage - Recommended
"...The New Colony, a young Chicago company aiming to actively cultivate a younger theater-going audience, attains at least that goal. Those in attendance seem hip and in the know, more likely spotted at a club or concert. So, while the show's unique concept isn't enough to carry it, the event certainly attracts a crowd."
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ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Once they trim off about twenty minutes and tighten some scenes (without cutting any of the music), That Sordid Little Story’ will play as a gem. The cavernous main stage of the Viaduct Theatre (now air-conditioned) is intelligently utilized by John Holt’s three-part set anchored with a large bar. New Colony is quickly becoming a fine theatre troupe deft at storytelling with a fresh voice and fine production values. That Sordid Little Story is wonderful storytelling with outstanding original bluegrass tunes. This is the discovery of the summer – don’t miss it! You’ll love the surprise ending."
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Steadstyle Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Looking at the musicals that are huge hits on the largest stages in the nation, I can see "That Sordid Little Story" fitting right up there with the likes of "Jersey Boys" and "Million Dollar Quartet". This show has a score that is just as solid as any other and has a unique perspective that is hard to find in the mainstream. Am I saying that "That Sordid Little Story" would be a huge Broadway success? I don't know. Should some producer give this show one hell of a good chance? Absolutely."
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