Electric Poe
October 15 - November 2, 2025
A co-produced special event with
Union Cemetery Historical Society
Electric Poe
by Edgar Allan Poe
Adapted by R.H. Wilhoit
Just in time for Halloween, Electric Poe returns to Union Cemetery!
Once again, Electric Poe captivates audiences with a live performance of the master of the macabre, this year bringing to life Poe fan favorites, “The Black Cat” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Treat yourself and your family to superb acting accompanied by atmospheric underscoring in front of Union Cemetery’s “Holding Vault,” built in 1857 in Kansas City’s oldest public cemetery.
Electric Poe performances are held at:
Union Cemetery
227 E 28th Terr
Kansas City, MO 64108
Approx. Length: 60 Minutes
- Opening Night: October 17 at 6:30 pm
For teens who love the spooky world of Electric Poe and creative writing, join us for a workshop with the playwright, R.H. Wilhoit!
Electric Poe Playwriting Workshop
Unlock the mystery of the moody master of literature! Participants will explore with a professional teaching artist the historical and cultural context that inspired Edgar Allan Poe. Through creative use of symbolism and imagery, participants will create an original 10-minute dramatic scene inspired by the performance of Electric Poe, a special site-specific outdoor engagement at Union Cemetery.
Date: Wednesday, November 5 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Crown Center | Coterie Classrooms
Age: Grades 8th-12th
Price: $15.00 per person
Electric Poe is available as a Classroom Immersion to inspire students to write their own moody masterpiece. Find Out More >>
Enhance your Electric Poe experience with our VIP packages, available to patrons attending on Opening Night or Halloween.
VIP Package
*2 tickets to any performance of Electric Renaissance
*A selection of handcrafted Christopher Elbow chocolates
*A complimentary bottle of wine
VIP Plus Package
*2 tickets to any weekend performance of The Drum Closet
*2 tickets to any performance of Electric Renaissance
*A selection of fine chocolates
*A complimentary bottle of wine
Electric Poe is available as a Classroom Immersion to inspire students to write their own moody masterpiece. Find Out More >>
REKINDLED THIS YEAR: Learn all about the historical significance of Union Cemetery and the many important figures in KC history that are buried in the Kansas City’s oldest public cemetery with a guided pre-show tour with a member of the Union Cemetery Historical Society (UCHS). Limited space available for tours before select performances. Simply select a show and tour combination ticket when purchasing. Tour participants will meet 90 minutes prior to showtime. Each tour will last approximately 60 minutes.
R.H. “Hollis” Wilhoit (The Actor) once again brings the works of Edgar Allan Poe to life after his celebrated performance in Electric Poe the last five years. Previously at The Coterie, Hollis played a remarkable number of roles in Puffs and in A Charlie Brown Christmas as well as work as a troupe member of our Dramatic STD/HIV Project touring schools. Regionally, he has performed in the one-person show Every Brilliant Thing at Spinning Tree, Milking Christmas at The Living Room, and The Little Prince with What If Puppets. When not acting, he is currently working with and is a Founding Member of The Confluence Theatre Company.
“Brings an authentic chill to Union Cemetery… preserve[s] Poe’s romantic voice while dialing in on the stories’ most propulsive moments… Smart visual touches further justify the theatrical treatment… engaging for adults but chaste enough for older kids.”
– KCStudio.org
“…shows a mastery of horror that surely would even make Poe take notice… I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Halloween.”
– BroadwayWorld.com
“The setting, the material, the performers, the costumes… it’s all so idyllic for a brisk autumn play… Wilhoit is a master of suspense… Both tales are spooky and mysterious… [a] hauntingly good performance”
– KCParent.com
Electric Poe 2025 is underwritten by The Andy and Peggy Beal Family Fund and Dr. Michael J Wurm and Cindy Wurm.
Original production designs and illustrations by the Kansas City Art Institute Illustration Department’s student-staffed agency, MICRO. Electric Poe 2025 by Cory Williamson.