The Cask of Amontillado is an operatic version of Poe’s classic, playing at Theatre on the Square during the 2009 indyFringe Theatre Festival. The show takes this timeless tale and sets it to original compositions with original lyrics and choreography as well. The group is in Indianapolis from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana.
The hour kicks off with an overture of two original compositions by Amontillado’s composer Dr. Paul Geraci. Both for soprano’s voices, they are equally haunting and clever. The second of the two plays with alliteration and moves through various tempos to create different emotional effects.
The opera is performed by Dr. Todd Samra as Montressora, the evil and vengeful owner of a wine cellar, Joseph Clarence Stewart as the tricky and vain wine aficionado, and a chorus of six: Michael Booth, Ben Gilsdorf, Maggie Hall, Mary Katherine Simons, Bailey Snyder, and James Winter. In a two act structure, they tell the tale of Montressora, a man slighted by Fortunato one too many times. Out for revenge, Montressora plots a way to murder Fortunato using his own vanity about his knowledge of fine wines.
Though the piece fails to capture the suspense and tone of Edgar Allan Poe’s original tale, it is thoroughly entertaining. With more of a farcical twist on good versus evil, Geraci’s composition is an interesting take on a favorite story. You can see The Cask of Amontialldo at Theater on the Square all this week.
The 2009 IndyFringe Festival is in full swing. This is the time of year where Mass Ave truly earns its reputation as an Indianapolis cultural district. Indianapolis performing arts on the streets and in Indianapolis theaters create an unparalleled energy in Indianapolis downtown. While you are there, do not forget to check out all the great Indianapolis art now being shown in Visual Fringe.
The Cask of Amontillado
Fringe 2009
Theatre on the Square
627 Massachusetts Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317.685.8687
