Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...In short, though "Princess Mary Demands Your Attention" with plenty of heartfelt and high-energy performances, it doesn't have enough to say once it perks up our ears to justify its length."
Chicago Reader - Not Recommended
"...The program says Holland was inspired by characters in War and Peace, but any resemblance to Tolstoy is purely superficial. Though the script has a rambunctious energy, it's shallow and unfocused, flitting from cartoonish comedy to howling melodrama to cloying schmaltz. Lili-Anne Brown declines to impose any restraint in her staging for Bailiwick Chicago, resulting in flagrant overplaying from the cast."
Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...None of this fazes director Lilli-Anne Brown and the fearless cast assembled for this Bailiwick Chicago production, who navigate Holland's enigmatic metaphors and spotty transitions with an unfaltering confidence that ensures our enjoyment of their company for the two hours necessary for our protagonist to confront his crisis. The sympathy generated by Armand Fields' meek Amari; the gravity invoked by Rus Rainear's Uncle Stacy; and the charm invoked by David Kaplinsky, TJ Crawford, Omar Abbas Salem and Jeremy Sonkin ( as the neighborhood fixtures ) make the time pass swiftly."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...And let’s get back to that drag queen. Clay, who’s meant to be the play’s guiding spirit, or conscience, or muse, served nothing but low-energy lip-synching on opening night. I hope it was an anomaly, but Princess Mary never once demanded our attention; she barely asked for it politely. I hope Holland keeps working on what he’s got here; there’s so much potential, but it needs an extreme makeover."
ChicagoCritic - Not Recommended
"...Bailiwick Chicago Theater has mounted terrific show (like The Wild Party) so we'll forgive them for this show. Their loyalty to their resident playwright Aaron Holland is to be admired. I look forward to their next show."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended
"...While Princess Mary Demands Your Attention is flawed, it is worth seeing. Aaron Holland looks like a writer whose work will continue demanding attention for many years and Bailiwick Chicago and the talented ensemble behind this production have given the play a wonderful showcase. It may demand some patience in parts, but there is much to enjoy and celebrate in this high-energy, though not at all Russian, premiere."
Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...Aaron Holland’s latest play, while entertaining, isn’t quite the standout one expects from the title. There’s something there that hasn’t been explored yet, but with additional work this play could become a staple for LGBT theatre companies everywhere searching for exciting, new scripts. Lili-Anne Brown has directed this production with a looser hand than usual, resulting in an uneven feel to the performances. While many of her actors stand out, others don’t go as far as they should and get by with performances a few steps short of what might be achieved. Technically the production doesn’t sound many bells and whistles either, although Patrick Bley’s music and sound design creates the necessary tone throughout. Perhaps, as it was for Amari’s own journey, time will improve both the play and this production, leaving it a much stronger experience for future audiences."
Splash Magazine - Somewhat Recommended
"...There are a ton of script problems in “Princess Mary” and it clearly needs some major work. Yet even though I had some enormous issues with this play I also have to take note that there is so much untapped potential within it. Moreover I have to applaud Bailiwick for taking a risk by doing this production and for giving their faith in an untested new playwright. Despite the play’s massive problems there is still room for growth."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...Though in its current incarnation this show has its issues, I hope this isn’t the end of Holland’s attention to this piece. There is much here to mine. I champion Bailiwick’s spirit of ensemble, and feel certain this play benefitted from larger conversations within that community. Now it is time for a visit from a “play doctor,” to give a fresh eye and ear, and assist in the polishing of this piece; Holland is now too close to his material."