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Cast

Creative Team

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

This year's production of ELECTRIC POE will include the following works by Edgar Allan Poe:
"The Raven" (published 1845)
"William Wilson" (published 1939)

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Cell phones are to be put away during the performance.

* Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

SPECIAL THANKS

Union Cemetery Historical Society

Kansas City Art Institute for original production designs by the Illustration Department’s student staffed agency, MICRO: Electric Poe design by Chaneryna Thach.

Financial assistance for this project has been generously provided by Missouri Arts Council, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Hallmark Corporate Foundation, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, Spencer Fane, Theater League, and American Royal.

The Coterie is a 501(c)3 nonprofit professional theatre, and a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and Theatre for Young Audiences/USA: The US chapter of ASSITEJ, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People. Electric Poe is a professional production employing members of Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, representing more than 45,000 professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.

ABOUT THE COTERIE

The Coterie Theatre provides unique theatre experiences for families and young audiences. The company is nationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind programming that features a year-round season of live plays and musicals on the company's mainstage. Since its founding in 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri, The Coterie has been at the forefront of commissioning new works or adaptations that contribute to the field of theatre for young audiences. More than 50 world or American premieres for all ages have been produced by The Coterie over the last 44 years, including hosting multiple major Broadway composers and lyricists to shape quality musicals for youth and families. The Coterie is interested in intergenerational conversation, and consistently includes teen programming in its season and outreach efforts.

The Coterie offers acting and theatre classes year-round for PreK-12th grades at multiple locations around Kansas City, including an extensive summer program of classes and performance camps. The Coterie’s community programming redefines traditional notions of work for young audiences with its unique dramatic writing programs (In-School Literacy Residencies and Young Playwrights Roundtable), teen LGBTQ work (Project Pride), and preteen and teen mental health workshops (Project Daylight), which are offered to students and schools free of charge.

All these components serve an average over 75,000 per year through over 350 performances. As a not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Coterie seeks to educate, entertain, and challenge audiences by opening lines of communication between races, genders, and generations. Donate at www.thecoterie.org.
 

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Theresa Stoker • President
Amy Graham • Secretary
Sara Anthony • Board Engagement Chair
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey • Community Engagement Chair
Kristina Thompson • Community Engagement Chair

Laura Antolak
Joe Bellinger
Ava Delsemme
LaTanya Franklin
Carlos Gonzalez
Katie Hall
Jennifer Ingraham
Gabriela Lucas
Greg Oborny
Ashlee Parker-Osborne
Ali Saucier
Ashley Strohm
Andrew Van Der Laan

COTERIE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR • Jonathan Thomas
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR • Khalia Davis
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR • David Golston
DIRECTOR OF THEATRE SCHOOL • Allison Nissley
COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER • Xinyue Zhang
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR • Derek Trautwein
BOX OFFICE MANAGER • Jason Coats
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER • Carol Kobza
BOOKING COORDINATOR • Stephanie Laaker
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT/MARKETING SPECIALIST • Tressa Lee
MARKETING ASSISTANT • Anna Jordan
HOUSE MANAGERS & BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS • Ezra Martinez-Haskins, Kali Coates, Pam West

OUR CO-PRODUCER

THE HISTORY OF THE UNION CEMETERY
OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Founded in 1857, Union Cemetery is the oldest public cemetery in Kansas City, MO, and is the final resting place of over 55,000 souls. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the land was originally claimed and plotted out to be the cemetery for both the town of Westport and the town of Kansas (now Kansas City). Many famous and historically significant individuals are buried in the Cemetery, without whom, Kansas City would not be what it is today. Veterans from every war from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War are also buried here, including those who fought for both sides during the Civil War. The Cemetery maintains a strong military identity, honoring those who served our country.

Union Cemetery is also a vital resource for the surrounding neighborhoods. The 27 acres are a Kansas City park meant for the enjoyment and recreation of all Kansas City residents as a refuge of natural beauty in the center of the city.

One of Kansas City’s hidden gems, Union Cemetery is the resting place of many of Kansas City’s founders. It is a place filled with rich history and stories of politicians, artists, entrepreneurs, war heroes, and every-day people making a difference within a changing society. The Historical Society is responsible for sharing these stories and caring for the memorials and grounds that celebrate some of Kansas City’s treasured lives.

The Union Cemetery Historical Society’s purpose is to preserve, protect and promote Kansas City’s historical Union Cemetery. In this effort the Society gives tours, provides learning experiences, assists with care and beautification, aids genealogical research, promotes the cemetery to the public and more.

By joining UCHS, you are supporting the preservation of Kansas City’s history and the community at large. Your membership donation will support various improvement projects as well as the day to day operation of the Society.

For more information visit www.uchskc.org/support.

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Meet the Company

R.H. Wilhoit*

Rufus Griswold

R.H. Wilhoit discovered theatre his sophomore year of high school after performing for his family for years. R.H. once again brings the works of Edgar Allan Poe to life after critically-acclaimed performances of ELECTRIC POE in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Coterie audiences will recognize R.H. from the casts of PUFFS and A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS and many Kansas City students will recognize him as a Coterie teaching artist who leads the Poe writing workshop Classroom Immersion touring to schools. Recently, R.H. performed in the one-person show EVERY BRILLIANT THING with Spinning Tree Theatre, MILKING CHRISTMAS with The Living Room, and THE LITTLE PRINCE with Mesner Puppet Theatre. When not acting, R.H. is currently working with and is a Founding Member of The Confluence Theatre Company.

Benjamin Hart

Composer/Musician/The Malicious Presence

Benjamin Hart got into theatre as a means to an end: he wanted to be a musician like his dad, but there weren’t bands to join or digital audio workstations in rural Kansas in the late 1900s. Fortunately, performing in school musicals provided a safe outlet for making loud noises about big feelings. Also providing inspiration was his first live show (apart from his dad's bands) which as “Weird Al” Yankovic at The Cotillion in Wichita on the Running With Scissors Tour - still one of the finest/best working bands in show business! Benjamin makes his Coterie debut in ELECTRIC POE and he couldn’t feel more at home, more proud, or more privileged to be here among the honored dead playing for you tonight. Dabbling in music, theatre, and other assorted noises over many years has given Benjamin a *particular* set of skills (and a proclivity for intense stories). Benjamin is the music director of THE BUTCHER'S SON, which they co-wrote with Vi Nhan Tran and Mackenzie Goodwin Tran.

Amanda Kibler

Director

Amanda Kibler grew up going to shows at local theatres in Omaha with her parents. As soon as they got home, she acted out her favorite scenes and created her own stories for the characters. When she finally stepped onstage at the age of 12, she was hooked! Amanda earned her MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences from the University of Central Florida. She is currently the executive artistic director of What if Puppets. She previously directed ELECTRIC POE (2023), PUFFS, and DEAR AMERICA: ACROSS THE WIDE AND LONESOME PRAIRIE for The Coterie's mainstage, as well as served as education director for The Coterie for over a decade. Before joining The Coterie, she worked as an actor, director, and teaching artist at the Omaha Theater Company in Omaha, NE; Orlando Repertory Theatre in Orlando, FL; and Visible Fictions in Glasgow, Scotland. She loves creating theatre for and with youth of all ages.

Bethany "Bee" Gradwohl*

Stage Manager

Bee Gradwohl grew up as a dancer and actually went to college to pursue a professional dance career. However, while in school, they learned about technical theatre and decided they wanted to be backstage instead of onstage! Although Bee returns to The Coterie after previously serving as assistant stage manager on CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, this is their first year being involved in ELECTRIC POE. Having never seen it in previous years, they are now running the entire production! For Bee, it's been a fun process seeing the show develop so they feel truly blessed to be one of only a handful of stage managers who have gotten to be a part of this production. Bee is a freelance stage manager, electrician, and sound mixer in the Kansas City area. Other recent credits include NEWSIES and ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS at New Theatre & Restaurant and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

David Kiehl

Sound Designer 2020-2023

David Kiehl thanks his family for piquing his interest in theatre by being raised to value the arts in all forms and for supporting him. David has designed over 130 Coterie productions during the past 25 years including, most recently, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2016, 2018 and 2023), DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019 and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, PUFFS, RISE UP: THE STRUGGLE OF THE FREEDOM RIDERS, BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, and BECOMING MARTIN. Other local productions include THE GRAVE, MILKING CHRISTMAS, and NOCTURNE at The Living Room Theatre, CLYDE'S, THE SOUND INSIDE, and TONI STONE at Unicorn Theatre, and SMART PEOPLE, ‘NIGHT MOTHER, and A DOLL'S HOUSE at Kansas City Actors Theatre.

Jarrett Bertoncin

Lighting Designer

Jarrett Bertoncin worked backstage on his high school’s theatre productions, where his passion for designing sets and lights began. His most recent shows at The Coterie include CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2016, 2018 and 2023), DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019 and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, DRAGONS LOVE TACOS, ELECTRIC POE, PUFFS, RISE UP: THE STRUGGLE OF THE FREEDOM RIDERS, BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, BECOMING MARTIN, GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM - THE MUSICAL, JACK AND THE BEAN MÁGICO!, TUCK EVERLASTING, and THE NINE WHO DARED: COURAGE IN LITTLE ROCK, as well as LUCKY DUCK, which performed Off-Broadway at The New Victory Theater (NYC). Other recent credits include serving as lighting designer on The Coterie’s co-production of Disney’s NEWSIES at White Theatre at The J, TE ATA for the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of the American Indian, and as scenic designer for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY for Oklahoma City University’s School of Theatre. To see more of Jarrett's designs, visit www.jsbdesigns.org.

Georgianna Londré

Costume Designer

Georgianna Londré has been in the audience for live theatre for as long as she can remember, and always noticed how costumes collaborated in the production. Her most recent designs at The Coterie include the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2014, 2016, 2018, 2023), ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2015, 2017, 2019, 2022), ELECTRIC POE (2020, 2021, 2022), AKEELAH AND THE BEE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, DRAGONS LOVE TACOS, PUFFS, RISE UP: THE STRUGGLE OF THE FREEDOM RIDERS, BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, BECOMING MARTIN, TUCK EVERLASTING, WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED: THE STUDENT SIT-INS OF 1960, GARFIELD: THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE, ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!", NO TALKING, THE NINE WHO DARED: COURAGE IN LITTLE ROCK, and over 50 other designs since 2000. Other recent design credits include COME BLOW YOUR HORN and HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY with New Theatre & Restaurant, THE OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and eight seasons with Quality Hill Playhouse. She has also designed for Late Night Theatre, The Living Room, Kansas City Actors Theatre, and What if Puppets. She always hopes her son likes the plays she’s working on at The Coterie, and he motivates her to do her best.

Tress Katzenmeier

Properties Coordinator

Tress started her theater journey in 5th grade and never looked back! In her second year of high school, she took on the role of head of the makeup crew for a production of NEWSIES. During a chaotic dress rehearsal, when everything seemed to go wrong, she realized that theater was her calling. The experience taught her resilience and leadership, showing her that you can push through challenges and adapt to any situation. Tress values the community theater creates and loves the process of transforming a script into a meaningful piece of art that allows people to escape their everyday lives. Each production has taught her valuable lessons, deepening my passion for the craft. Tress is pleased to be working on ELECTRIC POE, making her Coterie debut. She is a student at Johnson County Community College who focuses on props, makeup, and stage management. She has held several positions at JCCC, including Props Master, Assistant Technical Director, Makeup Designer, Assistant Stage Manager, and Stage Manager. In the community, she worked as a props master for WHITE CHRISTMAS at Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park and as a production assistant for GODSPELL at Music Theatre Heritage. This year she will be collaborating with The Unicorn, The J, and Padgett Productions. She would like to express her gratitude to her family and friends for all of their wonderful support! Find out more about Tress on FaceBook at Tress Katzenmeier.

Derek Trautwein

Technical Director

Derek Trautwein is a Kansas City theatre artist with a wide berth of professional and educational experience. After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance, Derek received his Master of Arts Degree in Theatre History in 2012 from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). During his time at UCM, Derek began his journey as a carpenter and Technical Director to accompany his endeavors in acting, directing, and playwriting. From 2013 to 2023, Derek served as faculty amongst the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Initially hired as the Technical Director, as he oversaw all sound, light, and scenic elements, Derek was promoted to Assistant Professor and Department Chair in 2021. Derek’s final directing spotlight at Benedictine, THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie, received a Meritorious Achievement Award for Play Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2023. Around Kansas City, Derek has worked with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Public Theatre, KC MeltingPot Theatre, Relevance Productions, Card Table Theatre, and Stuffed Buffalo Productions. Since 2012, Derek has been an active participant in the Kansas City Fringe Festival, producing over a dozen pieces of original works written by other artists as well as his own, including DECEIT, which earned Derek the inaugural Mark Edelman Best New Play Award in 2019. Derek’s original plays have also been featured multiple times each for Kansas City Public Theatre, Olathe Civic Theatre, and the Kansas City Horror Play Festival. Lately, Derek has been bouncing around multiple spaces in the Kansas City theatre community including performing on stage in THIS RANDOM WORLD: THE MYTH OF SERENDIPITY at the Just Off Broadway Theatre and ELF THE MUSICAL with Padgett Productions as well as serving as technical director of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at The Black Box, THE SHOOTER produced by Trish Mitchell at the Just Off Broadway Theatre, and the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023) at The Coterie. Moving forward, Derek seeks to create on his own terms while aiding artists of all kind to find their voices and venues.

Mackenzie Goodwin*

Coterie Production Stage Manager

Mackenzie Goodwin met the theatre through her parents, and she became an avid theatre goer. Her mom is a theatre actor and director, and her dad was an acrobat and a lighting and sound technician. Mackenzie returns to The Coterie after having worked on numerous recent productions, including serving as production stage manager for HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, ELECTRIC POE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and as a production assistant and an actor in DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT. Other recent credits include associate director on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (2022, 2023); swing manager on DREAMGIRLS and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for New Theatre & Restaurant; production stage manager on THE PRICE and DOT for Kansas City Actors Theatre, SHOWS FOR DAYS for Fishtank Theatre, and TITUS ANDRONICUS and MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE for The Living Room Theatre; and safety coordinator at Kansas City Actors Theatre. Mackenzie is the co-producing artistic director for Brother Octopus Productions at The Black Box (formerly Stuffed Buffalo Productions), an intimacy director, a voice over actor, and a member of Actors' Equity Association. For more about Mackenzie visit goodwincalling.com.

Jak Bush

Assistant Stage Manager

Donors

The Coterie wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the many corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals that so generously support The Coterie.

The following list celebrates gifts received April 1, 2023, and September 17, 2024.

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