Elling at Redtwist Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Steve Scott's staging allows Andrew Jessop's mama's-boy Elling and Peter Oyloe's sex-obsessed Kjell (he puts the "id" in "idiot") to share some warm, if wholly predictable, interludes. Even so, there's a lingering sense that we're meant to laugh at, not with, the emotional handicaps of these two walking sit-com devices."

Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended

"... The play keeps the meandering nature of its source material—never establishing a central question dying to be answered but building, scene by scene, a structure fit for digression and introspection. This novelesque pacing—so often the Achilles’ heel of such an adaptation—works to tremendous effect in the hands of the cast, particularly Peter Oyloe (Kjell) and Andrew Jessop (Elling), who play the mental-ward castoffs to terrific ends: Oyloe the manic, sex-crazed counterpart to Jessop’s cunning but perpetually terrified Elling. Their performances drive the play with an insidious charm; each scene is more engrossing than the last."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...Elling is a sweet comic drama that is a touching tribute to the spirit of humanity basic to the spirit of two determined challenged folks to more than survive. They exhibit a unique zest for life in their own terms that contains hilarious peculiar honesty that wins our hearts. Elling is much more that a comic friendship play; it is a heartwarming look at what being human is all about. Jessop and Oyloe are terrific as Elling and Kjell. It is refreshing to see such a slick production (deftly directed by Steve Scott) that both makes us laugh and wins our hearts. For something different, catch Elling – it’ll make you feel good and it’ll make you laugh. Redtwist Theatre continues to mount outstanding plays."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"... There are some very funny moments in this production skillfully done so as not to take away from the story line. One can adapt to something different in their lives, if there is a reason or someone to inspire them. In this beautifully told ( and staged) story we have a gentle and heartwarming evening of quality theater in a storefront black box on Bryn Mawr Avenue. While we cannot ignore being on main street with lots of young people making some noises, the actors in this production are strong enough to keep our focus on the production itself and their characters. The set, a clever use of a very tiny space was designed by Jessop with some clever nuances and the lighting by John Kelly is quite mood setting. Sara Isom had lots of props to deal with ( many of which Oyloe ate or others drank) and the other cast members, Melissa Walker, Marssie Mencotti and Scott Butler took on their roles and helped with set changes proving that a production is as solid as the parts that compose it and each member of this cast made an important contribution."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"... Elling is a light and fanciful comedy. With a talented cast and a solid script, it’s sure to entertain. For those looking to chase away those pre-winter blues, check out this play."