Experience a Dark New Musical in Freeport: Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado Comes to Life on Stage

There’s a certain magic in being first — the first to hear the music, to witness the tension crackle between characters, to see a world take shape from the ground up. That magic will be in the air as the curtain is pulled back on the staged reading of the upcoming musical The Cask of Amontillado at Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center in Freeport, a daring new adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting short story — a twisted tale of pride and revenge beginning its transformation into a fully realized theatrical world.
With a book and lyrics by John Cozzi and original music and additional lyrics by Laurence Dresner, the musical adaptation stays true to Poe’s gothic roots while reimagining the story with haunting melodies and a darkly lyrical style. Set in Italy during Carnival, the production brings to life the tale’s themes of betrayal, obsession, and the chilling consequences of vengeance.
“I’ve been a fan of Poe my entire life,” said director David Coonan. “John and Larry have created a beautiful adaptation of this macabre masterpiece that I’m excited to bring to life. I look forward to sharing this unique production with our audience,”
The audience follows Montresor’s chilling descent into madness as he manipulates Fortunato, a vain and unsuspecting victim, deeper into the crypt with promises of rare amontillado sherry. But as the journey unfolds, so does Montresor’s dark plan for vengeance. The result is a captivating experience that combines Poe’s macabre storytelling with a dynamic musical score — a theatrical journey into vengeance, madness, and death.
“Poe’s story is all about the dark corners of the human soul, and we leaned fully into its gothic horror. We wanted to honor its psychological depth and suspense, to make this as visceral as possible,” says Cozzi. Composer Laurence Dresner added, “Poe didn’t hold back on the horror, and neither did we. We wanted audiences to feel the weight of the bricks, the suffocation of revenge, and the finality of Fortunato’s demise.”

The show’s orchestrated music combines haunting melodies with moments of intense emotion — from quiet foreboding to dramatic, thrilling crescendos — capturing the psychological complexity of the characters. Songs like “Building a Wall” and “Amontillado” weave tension and intrigue, while “Buco Nel Muro” adds humor, and “Do You Still Think of Me?” reflects the poignant duality of Fortunato.
Laurence Dresner, composer, has had his works performed by ensembles such as the Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble and the American Chamber Ensemble, with performances across the United States and Europe.
John Cozzi, playwright and lyricist, brings a unique ability to channel Poe’s grim genius into a theatrical experience that blends dread with a perverse sense of fascination.
“The Cask of Amontillado is one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most well-known stories which lends itself to be dramatized with music on the stage,” said Robyn Workman, owner of Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center, in an email to the Herald. “Larry Dresner is the composer & co-lyricist along with John Cozzi , author & co- lyricist.  The cast members come from all over L.I. some of whom have performed at Sparkle before.”
As Poe is typically read by young teens & up we suggest a similar age for the audience,” Workman added. “The actors will have scripts in hand, & will be moving about the stage.   The audience will have the opportunity to give their feedback in an online survey post show.   We here at Sparkle are excited to host another original performance.”
The staged reading will take place at Sparkle on Stage, 195 Woodcleft Avenue, Freeport, on November 8.