Time for adventure! (Little Colonel Players)

The Three Musketeers Based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas Written by Ken Ludwig Directed by Mike R. Price A review by Kate Barry

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It’s all for one and one for all at Little Colonel Players. Duels in the streets, a corrupt Cardinal manipulating the king and a necklace is missing its diamonds. But one lad and his sister have what it takes to become part of a legendary band of guardsmen also known as The Three Musketeers. The bright and witty script puts a contemporary spin on the adventurous classic and is sure to please all audiences.

While the script weaves modern day humor and sarcasm in every scene, the story stays true to Dumas’ original work. D’Artagnan leaves home with his pip of a sister, Sabine. Once they make their way to Paris, D’Artagnan unwittingly insults each of the notable Musketeers. After a sword fight or two in the honor of King Louis, a resolution is made and D’Artagnan is made a musketeer.

Jokes serve the play and assists with a playful tone of the overall production. Some of the beats were just off the mark and some lines were dropped, regretfully. For such a large scale production, some technical elements held the production back from its full potential. Nonetheless, the small performance space did not deter from dance or fight choreography.

At the core of this production is a hero who comes in the form of D’Artagnan played by Jacob Norman. Norman does well to play on the humble beginnings from the French country side. As D’Artagnan grows in his strengths, Norman brings the right amount of confidence likened to one who is proving himself and coming of age. D’Artagnan finds love in the form of Constance, a lady in waiting of the Queen played by Andie Helton. Helton and Norman share a sweet chemistry that shows just enough sparks.

As for the Musketeers, as a unit Andy Szuran, Pat Wagner and Max Valentine are noble heroes. They bring impressive skill to each sword fight and handle the choreography with ease. As the individual Musketeers, Szuran, Wagner and Valentine do well to bring well rounded performances. Szuran’s Athos is a stoic alpha dog who lives with a profound longing for lost love. While his act one monologue beautifully hits every emotional mark, the character’s love reveal felt lost amid the action on stage. Wagner’s Aramis is a dedicated man of God. His sincere devotion is crushed as D’Artagnan’s sister Sabine (played with vigor and moxie by Kiersten Farris) relentlessly pines for him. Max Valentine’s Porthos rounds out the trio as a fashionable and flamboyant dandy, quick with the one liners.

Any hero story needs a notable villain. And Brad Lambert proves himself worthy as the Cardinal Richelieu. Funny and sinister, Lambert uses his comedic chops as he strives to complete his shady deeds. Martin Brooks provides humorous foil as a flighty Rochefort while Perry Arnold’s King Louis XIII lack of self-awareness plays well when dealt slightly suggestive dialogue.

Be prepared for lots of action with The Three Musketeers. Little Colonel Players has chosen well with a classic tale like this. And there is plenty of adventure to go around.

The Three Musketeers The Little Colonel Players September 28-29, October 3-6 302 Mount Mercy Dr Pewee Valley, KY 40056 www.littlecolonel.net