Electric Poe
October 19, 2023–November 5, 2023
A co-produced special event with Union Cemetery Historical Society
Electric Poe
by Edgar Allan Poe
Adapted by R.H. Wilhoit
Music composed & performed by Meredith McGrade
Directed by Amanda Kibler
Performed outdoors in one of Kansas City’s hidden gems!
Just in time for Halloween, Electric Poe returns to Union Cemetery to showcase three newly adapted Poe works. R.H. Wilhoit captivates as the master of the macabre, performing Poe’s beloved poem, “Annabel Lee,” his ode to obsession, “Berenice,” as well as his claustrophobic classic, “The Cask of Amontillado,” in which a man takes fatal revenge on his friend by entombing him within a stone wall. Again this year, live music will punctuate the moody masterpieces. Treat yourself and your family this Halloween 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.
Approx. Length: 60 Minutes
- Opening Night: October 20, 6:30 pm
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 three 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 Mesner Puppet Theater. 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
“R.H. “Hollis” Wilhoit returns to The Coterie in the lead role… His performance is (which I didn’t feel possible) more magnificent than last year, and he 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
Original production designs and illustrations by the Kansas City Art Institute Illustration Department’s student-staffed agency, MICRO. Electric Poe 2023 by Dani Mays.
