Wilson Wants It All presented by The House Theatre of Chicago at Chopin Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...what makes this show rather more than just a pulpy yarn is the way it homes in on a potent political paradox. Inspirational political figures -- and I suspect the authors have the current president in mind here -- invariably lose a good portion of their supporters when they take a stand on an actual issue. And thus paralysis can result. "I think we need someone so beloved," someone remarks deep in this play, "that they can take the risk to speak for themselves." Indeed."

Chicago Reader - Not Recommended

"... in the play's spectacularly quixotic and deeply American fantasy world, mending the broken family of a girl named Hope (get it?) and her twin just might, somehow, fix the country. Despite a hardworking cast and Lucas Merino's clever video projections, this impossible dream is DOA."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...The gigantic video and aural F/X rendered possible by House's new home on the Chopin mainstage (airplanes and helicopters, among them) may supply the scope, but the story is rooted firmly in personal motives--never has the familiar analogy of the nation as family been invoked to greater purpose. An ensemble led by Rebekah Ward-Hays and Leslie Frame as the estranged siblings, flanked by John Henry Roberts and Carolyn Defrin as their likewise conflicted adult mentors, commit themselves to their dramatic universe with never a trace of giggly self-indulgence. All this makes for a speculative tale so riveting and suspenseful that playgoers taking advantage of House's beer-during-the-show policy will find themselves left with undrunk brew after curtain call."

Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended

"...Unfortunately, the script doesn't use this excellent setup to the fullest; the dialogue is often unsubtle and some of the plot twists strain believability. By the end there is a distinct sense of being told the same thing over and over. But there's still a lot to be said for a thrillingly staged, cautionary look into our own futures."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"... The House’s production features the flash and technical proficiency we’ve come to expect from the company. Brisk, twirl-heavy choreography propels the ensemble, while a background of (often live) video projections aptly conveys a digitized future. But stirring visuals can’t compensate for an increasingly cumbersome script; late-in-the-game developments include a far-fetched showdown between the two ostensible Hopes."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...With acknowledged influences from Ray Bradbury’s speculative fiction and Philip K. Dick with inspiration from A Tale of Two cities, the 1993 film Dave and the myths of JFK–Wilson Wants It all is a futuristic spectacle. It is part mystery, part political drama and part adventure with romance, humor and techno sensibilities."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...While I cannot rank this show with others that this troupe has brought to Chicago stages, I am sure that as they perform this and get feedback from audiences, they will adjust and make changes that will complete what has been started. For me, there is promise with what they have started and I look forward to seeing what transpires during the run."