Calls to Blood presented by The New Coordinates at Royal George Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...New Colony’s “Calls to Blood” taps into one of the Chicago’s theater’s most enduring traditions—the edgy young play about love and sex, written with an improv sensibility, produced on little money and reliant on a shocking plot twist that upsets all that cheap wine on those CB2 tables."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...The play shouldn't work, but Asmus packs his seemingly incompatible scenes with accurate, telling observations of human behavior, and director Andrew Hobgood's pitch-perfect cast articulate them with graceful precision. Against all odds, nearly everything in this New Colony premiere rings poignantly true. Even with the truncated resolution, it's a satisfying evening."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...Calls to Blood masterfully manipulates dramatic clichés, veering from cheerful chick-flick to terrifyingly twisted quick enough to cause emotional whiplash — manipulating audience mindsets, too, along the way. While establishing a couple's perfect relationship only to rip it apart isn't new ground, this flawless execution is beyond rare. You feel for this "perfect couple," rather than rooting against them."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...On the whole, Calls to Blood plays it a little safe, relying on the shock of its underlying reveal to set it apart without fully exploring the implications for its characters; Alison and Jacob remain nice people trapped in a bad situation. But the New Colony’s fierce production transcends the scenario’s slick contours. As Alison, Gitenstein brings a breathtaking passion to the stage; torn apart by what she learns, Gitenstein manages to lift the play from its true-story origins to true art."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...The shocking turn that this true story takes trenders the happy couple into two tragic figures. I’ll not reveal more but trust me, this show will get you thinking about enjoying every moment of happiness you can. There is only one truth that could destroy Jacob and Alison. You’ll be amazed at what that is and, remember, it is a trues story."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"... They wear their hearts on their sleeves a bit, but the performances are never less than spontaneous and sympathetic. It makes the limitations of the present venue that much more frustrating. The New Colony is on a mission though that deserves to be supported and nurtured. I couldn't have been more delighted to see a packed house for their Saturday evening show, which hopefully will continue throughout the run. Now if only they can find decent digs for their next brilliant world premiere!"