American Master Mystery Writer Reinvented in New Musical Tell-Tale Electric Poe in MO | Playbill

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News American Master Mystery Writer Reinvented in New Musical Tell-Tale Electric Poe in MO The work of American horror writer Edgar Allan Poe is channeled in the new atmospheric musical Tell-Tale Electric Poe, to get its world premiere by the family oriented Coterie Theatre in Kansas City, MO.

The 31st season's opener, inspired by the writing of Poe (known for "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Raven"), is billed as "horrifying and humorous." It will play Sept. 15-Oct. 9. Opening night is Sept. 18.

The concept and adaptation of this two-person show is by Coterie artistic director Jeff Church. Tell-Tale Electric Poe is the first production in the Coterie's 2009-10 Preteen/Young Adults Series.

According to Coterie notes, "In a masterful blending of actor (Bruce Roach) and musician (Rex Hobart), expertly selected Poe stories and poems are complemented by musical underscoring and retorts from a reactive electric guitar. The production overflows with poetry, riffs, ghosts and morbid prose floating in an atmospheric setting. What better way to pay respects to the mystery/horror/science-fiction forefather born 200 years ago this year?"

Church stated, "In the play I've adapted for our stage, we have included 'William Wilson,' 'The Pit and the Pendulum,' 'The Tell-Tale Heart,' as well as the poems 'Alone,' 'The Bells' and 'The Raven.' For each, Bruce will play a distinct and separate character. Rex Hobart will provide underscoring that is specific to each pulse beat, as well as provide retorts and effects that will echo man's descent into madness."

The production team includes Church (director), Hobart (composer/set designer/technical director), Georgianna Londre (costume designer), Jeffrey Cady (projection designer), Art Kent (lighting designer), David Kiehl (sound designer), Amy Abels Owen (stage manager), Ron Megee (properties) and Rachel Cain (production assistant and house manager). The Coterie Theatre is located on level one of Crown Center Shops in Kansas City, MO.

For more information visit www.coterietheatre.org.

 
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