The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas is a tale of bravado and romance. Innumerable movies, plays, and television shows have been based on the first novel, concentrating on the adventures of d’Artagnan, Athos, Aramis, and Porthos as they battle the corruption Cardinal Richeleu and his followers. Catherine Bush adapted the lengthy novel, slicing it down to the juiciest conflicts and redemptive moments.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of The Three Musketeers is big and bold, with enough crossing of swords and fancy footwork to satisfy action fans. Thanks to the skills of fight director Paul Dennhardt, the actors portraying the four dashing musketeers parry and thrust across the stage with nary a real scratch. Costume designer Devon Painter ensures capes swirl and extravagant hats stay on during the fight scene, and add dash and drama the rest of the time.
D’Artagnan (Jeb Burris), the ambitious (and somewhat naive) young man from the sticks comes to Paris circa 1628 and encounters villainy on the streets involving Rochefort (Rob Johansen) and minions of the corrupt Richelieu (Dan Dremer). He also spies the lovely Constance (Amanda Catania) and falls in love. His letters of introduction are stolen, and his hopes of joining the prestigious King’s Guard are almost dashed but for persistence. Monsieur de Treville (Robert Neal), trying to rein in his impetuous three musketeers Athos (Ryan Artzberger), Porthos (David Folsom), and Aramis (Nathan Hosner), assigns d’Artagnan to their number as a trial run. A plot to expose Queen Anne’s (Emily Ristine) alleged infidelity with Lord Buckingham (Charles Pasternak) to humiliate King Louis XIII (Charles Goad) is thwarted. The musketeers discover Milady de Winter (Elizabeth Laidlaw) is at the heart of the matter, with a terrible twist. There is much back and forth through the streets of Paris and London, with the final showdown a tragedy and triumph of good over evil.
Standouts in an outstanding cast include Catania as the honest, sweet servant of Queen Anne and Burris as d’Artagnan who is nearly lost. The versatile Charles Goad plays several parts with humor and just enough regal bearing. The musketeers themselves are earnest, eager, and have excellent stage chemistry. Director Henry Woronicz does a fine job keeping the cast on a high-energy path that doesn’t let the audience out of the grip of excitement and romance.
Shows continue through Oct. 15 on the Mainstage. Call 635-5252 or visit www.irtlive.com for availability.
