Review: The Three Musketeers at Seattle Repertory Theatre
We are at a time when everyone seems to be talking about either the economy or the election, so it is a relief to escape into a fun and light-hearted theatrical performance such as Seattle Rep’s The Three Musketeers.
It has just the right mix of humor, action, with just a bit of drama. The plot moves along at a nice brisk pace. However, Spamalot it’s not. And while at times the humor feels a bit forced and repetitive, at least it is not trite.
The play begins with a young and shirtless D’Artagnan, played by Andrew William Smith, who is anxious to go to Paris and join the Musketeers. But tagging alongside him is his tomboy baby sister Sabine, played by Montana von Fliss. At first, Sabine tries to look like a boy in order to not attract attention during their perilous journey to Paris. Later she becomes an essential part of the fighting.
The talented actor Hans Altwies plays Athos (center), a character that is far different than the wonderful role of Odysseus he played in the The Cure at Troy back in April. Jeffrey Bender plays the overly fashion conscious musketeer Porthos (left) and Ryan Shams plays Aramis (right).
My favorite performance comes from Jim Abele as Cardinal Richelieu, who played the strongest villain of the bunch. Or maybe it was just that velvety flowing red robe he wore.
I had the pleasure of taking our five-year-old son to the performance and he enjoyed it more than I ever expected him to, being that the story is considered a “classic” and everything. However, he was captivated throughout the performance. The play was fun and in the end we all came away entertained. The light-hearted theatrics were quite refreshing.
Certainly, one of the highlights of the play is the intense music by composer Wayne Barker. Even though the volume it subtle, at times the intensity of the music upstaged the acting. At intermission I asked the five-year-old the best part of the play, expecting sword fighting to be the answer but instead he also cited the music.
“Expect epic swordfighting.” The Fight Director for Three Musketeers is Rick Sordelet who is one of the top fight choreographers in the country. His credits including all of the Disney’s theatrical productions: Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Aida, and The Little Mermaid.
The Three Musketeers plays now through November 15, 2008 at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Tickets start at $15. Anyone 25 and under may purchase tickets for only $10 for any performance (with ID – call for details). For more info go to www.seattlerep.org.
More photos are available here.
