Steadstyle Chicago
	June 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	The K of D: An Urban Legend Isn't it amazing that most "urban legend" stories take place in rural areas?  That is what we are told in Laura Schellhardt's "The K of D: An Urban Legend" now making its Chicago Premiere at A Red Orchid Theatre.  This is the second production of the new Route 66 Theatre Company, a company that produces theater that encounters risk and embraces the American Spirit of Exploration and by offering stories that link the stories that link our country together. This is a one woman show starring the very energetic Gwendolyn Whiteside who takes on 11 characters in this 80 minute exploration of the summer (about three months) in Saint Mary's, Ohio.  The story is about Charlotte McGraw, whose twin brother is killed in an accident and just before he dies, he kisses her on the lips.  To the other kids, who witnessed this, there is a strong belief that she now has the power to kill  with a kiss.  The tale is about the young man who killed her brother and the events of the summer that lead to his death as well.  How does he die?  Who truly killed him? This is a ghost story of sorts and a chilling look at how young people view, life, death and redemption.  Each character has a mannerism that sets him or her apart as Ms. Whitside takes us through the events, so the audience needs to watch her very closely as she introduces us to them or one might find themselves getting lost.  You do not want to miss one word or look from this brilliant actress, who masterfully takes on this tour de force.  It is a marvelous story with an ending that might be interpreted in several ways, depending on how you view it.  After all, isn't that what "urban legends" are all about?  Are they real things that happened, or just the stories that people keep recounting?  Do those who die come back?  And if they do, in what manner? This production is directed by Meredith McDonough, who utilizes the small stage at A Red Orchid to its best advantage and makes the audience feel as they might be sitting at a campfire hearing this story, one-on-one from our story teller, who may or may not be Charlotte.  The sound design is a superb piece of work by Lindsay Jones that plays an integral part in telling this story as do the lights by Jesse Klug.  This show is not for all audiences, but for people who enjoy mystery and in-depth character studies, this is one not to be missed.  Ms. Whitside's energy and agility along with her marvelous characters are a must for anyone aspiring to be an actor.  It is a learning experience as well as a theatrical one.  While the town is in Ohio, this could be any small town in any state in our country.  The legend is well written, well directed and marvelously performed. "The K of D: An Urban Legend" will continue through July 12, 2009 at A Red Orchid Theatre, located at 1531 N. Wells Street.  Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.  Tickets range from $20-$25, a great value, and can be purchased by calling 773-308-6927 or online at www.route66theatre.org.  Old Town is filled with great dining spots, of all price ranges, so make a day or evening of it and enjoy the flavor of Old Town.   About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The Epoch Times.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.