When the three musketeers slide down ropes to land centerstage at Seattle Repertory Theatre, the real adventure begins. Once again, it's "one for all and all for one."
Panache and swordplay are de rigueur in Alexandre Dumas' swashbuckling classic, "The Three Musketeers." You've probably seen at least one of the movies based on Dumas' novel. Most likely, it was the 1973 film starring Oliver Reed, Michael York, Faye Dunaway and Raquel Welch.
But you probably haven't seen Dumas' saga unfold onstage. There have been several attempts, but none have quite captured the spirit of the 19th-century novel. Playwright Ken Ludwig's new adaptation makes a gallant effort, mixing honor and intrigue with humor and slapstick. He even invents a feisty tomboy sister for D'Artagnan. And, of course, she fences as well as her brother.
Directed by Kyle Donnelly, Act One of Seattle Rep's 17th-century romp overflows with merriment, camaraderie and adventure. The sensational swordplay choreographed by master fight director Rick Sordelet earns a rousing ovation. Unfortunately, Act Two loses momentum--but not enough to spoil the production.
Chances are, you recall Dumas' plotline. Young D'Artagnan, an eager and earnest country bumpkin from Gascony, dreams of being a musketeer. So with his father's blessing, he heads to Paris.
In Ludwig's version, D'Artagnan's daddy sends him off with a worn-out old nag named Buttercup (she whinnies offstage), a letter to the captain of the King's Musketeers and some sage advice; "If a man insults you, turn the other cheek. If he insults you again, kill him."
Newly arrived in Paris, our young hero unwittingly makes an enemy of Cardinal Richelieu's head henchman, Rochefort, and subsequently, the Cardinal himself. D'Artagnan soon becomes a pawn in the Queen's cat-and-mouse game of intrigue with the Cardinal. It seems His Eminence has gotten wind of her secret love affair with the England's Duke of Buckingham.
D'Artagnan gets himself into more trouble when he accidentally runs afoul of Porthos, Aramis and Athos. He's challenged to duels by the very three individuals he wants to impress. D'Art has reason to survive--a promised rendezvous with Constance, the Queen's lady-in-waiting. He rescued her from peril, and she rewarded his bravery by leaping into his arms and kissing him. Naturally, he's smitten.
Andrew William Smith is endearing as the rookie musketeer, even though he flubbed a few lines on opening night. Still, Smith has the right stuff-heart, enthusiasm and energy. He also has the right romantic partner. Jennifer Sue Johnson endows Constance with spontaneity, loyalty and ardor.
All three Musketeers are dashing rascals, each with his own story. Jeffrey M. Bender preens as Porthos, a vain fashionista-defending his attire when he isn't defending his life. As Aramis, Ryan Shams can't decide between God--or women--so he talks about the first and seduces the second. Hans Altwies plays the cool-headed Athos with a keen intellect and a mysterious inner turmoil. But when musketeer honor is threatened, like the characters they inhabit, Bender, Shams and Altwies band together to wield their swords with agility and expertise.
An amazing swordfight take place in Act One, pitting the cardinal's men against the king's top three musketeers, who are aided by D'Artagnan and his sister Sabine. It's a rousing crowd-pleaser and magnificently executed. We were hoping for an equally exciting display of swordplay in Act Two, but to our disappointment, it never happened.
John Arnone's deluxe scaffolding set glides and slides into place, shifting to suggest a palace, ballroom and inn. For embellishment, he adds gold full-length mirrors and a fountain with real water. Costumer Nan Cibula-Jenkins fashions bosom-squashing, period gowns for the ladies, flowing crimson-red robes for the Cardinal and plumed headgear and leather togs for the musketeers.
Several actors double up on roles. In the duel parts of D'Artagnan's mother and Queen Anne, Ellen Karas shows off her versatility. While Karas wails hilariously in a two-minute bit as a peasant mom bidding farewell to her son, her portrayal of the Queen exudes dignity and domination. The talented Alban Dennis reigns as her foppish hubbie, Louis XIII, as well as her lover, Buckingham--another aristocratic fop. Obviously, Queen Anne has a "type."
In his recreation of the Machiavellian Cardinal Richelieu, Jim Abele combines faultless comedic timing with a commanding demeanor. He's like a dark mix of Ben Kingsley and Bob Newhart. The beautiful Cheyenne Casebier plays the Cardinal's assassin sidekick, Milady, the Countess de Winter, with deadly charm and deliberation.
But it is Montana von Fliss who adds extra panache as D'Artagnan's plucky sister Sabine. At one point, this sassy-pants gets a huge laugh with her line, "You know, being a girl in the Middle Ages is just not that much fun."
Maybe so. But being in the audience of "The Three Musketeers" is.
"The Three Musketeers" runs Tuesday to Sunday through November 15 in the Bagley Wright Theatre at Seattle Repertory Theatre. Tickets $10-$59, 206-443-2222.
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