Last updated on March 24, 2023
Review by John Joseph Fahey
Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers, adapted from the novel by
Alexandre Dumas, is on stage during the 22/23 season at the Asolo
Repertory Theatre in Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Playing until March 26 th , this comedy/drama adaptation of the popular
altruistic trio in 17 th Century France provides an entertaining excursion
into a tale where nascent, albeit gallant Musketeer, D’Artagnan adroitly
and convincingly played by Evan Stevens, takes his place among those
fighting the challenges and intrigues within Parisian life, specifically the
Ancient Regime several centuries ago.
Fellow Musketeers Athos, well played by Leighton Samuels, Aramis,
equally well played by Rasell Holt and Porthos, also displaying the
rectitude that is fitting of a Musketeer, also deserve accolades for their
performances.
In the Ludwig adaptation of the Dumas story, an additional theme
coinciding with the premise of the chivalrous men of honor, is the
younger sister of D’Artagnan – Sabine, who is believably played by Erin
O’Connor. Sabine who joins her brother to Paris under the premise that
she is going to a convent school has ideas of her own – and it is not
educational or religious, rather it is similar to D’Artagnan’s purpose –
and that is to be a Musketeer!
Director Peter Amster’s production, well received by those in
attendance during the performance of February 23rd, creates smooth
transitional scenes amid the ambiance of an appealing set design by
Adam Koch – appealingly transporting the audience to a distance place
a long ago time – and in a society rich in scheming and conspiracy.
Amster directs a talented cast that brings to life Dumas’s characters
–characters that are engaging and spirited; and, conversely, The Three
Musketeers can boast individuals who in their menacing roles must be
commended for their excellent performances – one notably is Jay
Russell as Cardinal Richelieu. Richelieu is devious in his objective to
undermine the French court – and, in his scheming, results in his
regrettable involvement with The Three Musketeers – and with
D’Artagnan – and Sabine!
And, in mentioning the French court, it would be undeserving not to
mention the fine performances of Peter S. Raimondo as King Louis XIII
and Imani Lee Williams as Queen Anne.
Of course, it is a story that is replete with plenty of action including
some dexterous duel fighting – after all, the play is about Musketeers!
The duel scenes are quite energizing and skillfully choreographed for
which credit is given to Geoffrey Kent, who serves as the production’s
Fight Director.
The Three Musketeers, an Adaptation is an entertaining and yes,
updated version of the Dumas story, but which also has a basis in
reality – The Three Musketeers were in fact part of an elite guard
protecting the King, known by the title Musketeers of the Guard.
For such a production, there are many people involved: from actors to
the Creative staff, all working together to make the project work. And
certainly, the exclamation “It’s all for one and one for all” applies to The
Three Musketeers, An Adaptation at the Asolo Repertory Theatre.
Productions currently at the Asolo or are upcoming during the 2022-
2023 season are: Chicken & Biscuits running until April 13 th ; Incident at
Our Lady of Perpetual Help running from March 15 th until April 22 nd ; and
Man of La Mancha from May 10 th until June 11 th .
You might want to consider attending a performance at the Asolo
Repertory Theatre if visiting the Sarasota area.
The Asolo Repertory Theatre is located at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail in
the Florida State Center for the Performing Arts.
For further information call the Box Office at 941.351.8000 or
800.361.8388, or email at: patronservices@asolo.org .
