The Coterie Theatre Begins 31st Seasn With TELL TALE ELECTRIC POE 9/15-10/9

The Coterie Theatre kicks off its 31st season of live theatre with the horrifying and humorous Tell-Tale Electric Poe based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe September 15 - October 9. The concept and adaptation of this two-person show is by Jeff Church.

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.

"Bruce Roach is the perfect fit for taking on six distinct characters from Poe," said director Jeff Church. "His training, his demeanor, everything is a great fit. It's very exiting to rehearse with an actor of Bruce's caliber.

"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," he said.

Tell-Tale Electric Poe is the first production in the Coterie's Preteen/Young Adults Series. It is funded in part by the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) and the ArtsKC Fund.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
The live production is performed by Bruce Roach with music composed and performed by Rex Hobart. The artistic and Production Company includes Jeff Church (director), Scott "Rex" 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).

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Coterie Theatre, now in its 31st Season and named "One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences in the U.S." by TIME magazine, is located on level one of Crown Center Shops in Kansas City, Mo. Tell-Tale Electric Poe performs September 15 - October 9. Performances are Tuesdays - Sundays. For specific dates and times, visit www.coterietheatre.org.

Opening Night September 18 audiences are invited to a free post-performance reception with director and cast members. Free question and answer sessions about the show and "how it's done" will take place after the 2 p.m. performances September 19 and 20. In addition, a Viewer Guide featuring background information about Edgar Allan Poe, behind-the-scenes interviews and photos for enhancing the theatre experience will be included in each program.

Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for all children, students and seniors age 60 and up; $6 for season ticket holders. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.coterietheatre.org/ or by calling the Coterie box office (816) 474-6552 from 10 a.m. to 4 p. m. Monday through Friday. TARGET Saturdays: Free ticket with purchase; restrictions apply; not available online.

Notable Dates:
September 18, Opening Night: Free post-performance reception with director and Company.
September 19 and 20, Q&A: Free post-performance question and answer sessions with the Company.
September 19, 26 and 3: TARGET Saturdays: Free ticket with purchase; restrictions apply; not available online.
October 3: Interpreted performance in American Sign Language

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.