Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...The strongest sections of the show, actually, are the segments of the fictional show, which Zellnik has penned with withering accuracy and awareness of the cliches, and that the actors perform with a kind of desperate relish. If the scenes of the boys and girls on the bus could only be rooted in something truly believable, and less puerile. And if someone took out the shears and chopped away the second-tier clutter, "Orville and Wilbur Did It!" might well be in business. For sure, the show needs to start not with a scene on the bus but with the show-within-the-show."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...‘Orville and Wilbur Did It!” may well be the most completely off-the-wall production I’ve seen in the past five years. The New Colony world premiere about a touring children’s theater company is a fast-paced frolic that lands squarely in whacklandia — and that’s a terrific place to spend the show’s 100-minute running time."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...This comedy from playwright David Zellnik and the New Colony features a controlling, sexually repressed stage manager named Jen (Jessica London-Shields) and a cast of actors on a children's theater tour presenting the latest production from the fictional "Did It!" series, this one about the famous Wright brothers. We get bits from the hilariously treacly show itself, but the play mostly follows the backstage drama, with its showmances, egos, insecurities, breakdowns."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...The show’s first act held a good number of laughs for me, as someone who’s actually gone through the experience of performing theater for young audiences and the contrast between the presentation of exemplary behavior onstage and the counterbalancing licentiousness backstage. I worry, though, whether it’s all too inside-baseball for a general audience. Apart from the parodic performance scenes (including a handful of funny-cheesy songs by Zellnik and Eric Svejcar), much of the humor seems geared to come from recognition."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Fueled with some original songs (music by Eric Svejcar and lyrics by David Zellnik), Orville And Wilbur Did It! shows how lame their children’s show actually is and how each actor reacts to negative talk backs from the children. But what makes this play so funny is the deep development of each character that produces a rich dynamic that creates funny, heartfelt situations that are funny because they are plausible. That is the source of most humor. This is a fine ensemble piece that gives each character their special moments. It is refreshing to see a show with everyone so committed to the work that the sheer energy produced laughs. This is a fun, silly yet truthful comedy that is a terrific night at the theatre. The New Colony folks continually produce stage worthy shows. This one will make you laugh."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...The New Colony deserves your support, and you still have some time to see Quiche. And I wouldn't count out Zellnik and the company of Orville and Wilbur yet. With some cuts, some logic, and continued hard work, it might soon be making it nightly all the way across the high wire as the next success in The New Colony's fine body of work."
Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...Under the direction of Andrew Hobgood, this play with music, within a play with music moves slower that I would like. Some of the proceedings seemed predictable. Some of the cast seemed to be “performing” instead of embodying the characters assigned. He brings out the best in the performances, but can only go so far with the material for the show overall. This show seems more geared for a late night crowd, or a BYOB comedy venue."
The Fourth Walsh - Somewhat Recommended
"...Actors playing actors in a play about a musical that is touring the country has potential. Although the insider’s perspective intrigues, the execution drags. There are comedic bursts but nothing sustaining. A late in the second act appearance by Alex Grelle (X) is the first laugh out loud moment for me. Grelle, on arrival, projects over-the-top absurdity. Although his shit shtick is funny, it too gets old. The bits by the actors ‘offstage’ and away from the children’s musical feel cobbled together and cumbersome. The story relies heavily on a touring actor troupe being a common experience. Throughout the play, the guy next to me was bent over laughing hard. I suspect he is an actor. For the rest of us, it’s like being sober at a cast party."
