reWILDing Genius presented by The New Colony at Steppenwolf Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Certainly, a solid story about the political leanings and disaffections of the millennial generation should be right at home in the Garage Rep. But despite its admirable ambitions, "ReWILDing Genius" reworks too many outlandish scenarios to land any serious insights."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"... Andrew Hobgood and Megan Johns's script spends its first act ingratiating us to our would-be superhero team: a misfit band of activists and hackers who will take on Big Pharma. The first scene feels like an intimate slice-of-life, compelling for its quick pace, humor, and specificity of the characters and their relationships. The New Colony's process gives the actors agency to fully immerse themselves in their characters and investigate them to a point beyond even the playwright's scope of knowledge. They can even function as a check on the playwright—letting them know if a particular line rings false for their character. This is a large part of what makes these characters and their dynamic feel so natural. It's just that the play spends too much time calling these characters to action. Taking your time is one thing, but the majority of this journey plays out over one long political discussion. "

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...The cast of Will Cavedo, Caitlin Chuckta, Sarah Gitenstein, Evan Linder, Morgan McNaught, Wes Needham and Stephanie Shum are both fully engaged as they had significant input into the script and their characters making reWilding Genius a polished and timely cautionary tale for the 21st Century. This is an intelligent play that asks important question as it puts faces on the faceless hackers who are becoming significant players in the online world. Will they save us or destroy us? This play will scare you."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Every actor brings a welcome familiar spontaneity to his role. Due to superb casting, wonderful direction by playwright Andrew Hobgood and a script that allows each actor his own individuality and the ability to sink his teeth into a relevant story ripped from today's headlines, this production is a must-see for both aspiring actors and audiences eagerly searching for a challenging evening of theatre. Theatre goers almost feel part of this group by intermission, regardless of age, gender or interest in computers. This is a play that shouldn't be missed."