Punk Reviews
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...The story raises complex issues around sexual identity, social responsibility, and prisoners' rights, but for too long Harris engages in wish fulfillment, painting the unit as a kind of understaffed boarding school for the slightly fabulous, slightly sassy, and unfailingly supportive. When emotional crises erupt, they're largely unearned. Despite uneven casting, this New Colony premiere, codirected by Diana Raiselis and Katrina Dion, still manages moments of great pathos."
Chicago Theatre Review- Recommended
"...In yet another world premiere, New Colony admirably encourages and supports the new work of Michael Allen Harris, an up-and-coming area playwright. Co-directed by Diana Raiselis and Katrina Dion, the production tells a worthwhile story, but has some problems with staging and its confining scenic design. With so many scenes, this might’ve been a story better suited for film, but, when these problems are solved and the play’s melodramatic ending refined a bit, Harris’ latest play will surely find a life outside of this production."
Chicago On Stage- Somewhat Recommended
"...Michael Allen Harris’s new play has its powerful moments; there is no doubt. His ability to write clever dialogue pops up again and again, most notably in a scene in Act Two in which all of the characters are involved in separate conversations that appear to miraculously spiral around each other. And he has certainly chosen territory ripe for exploration: a card in the lobby runs off statistics about life in prison for LGBTQ+ people, and none of it is pretty. Whatever you think you know about prison, take it and at least triple it: you’ll be in the ballpark."