Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Chivalry comes to life with a comic, swashbuckling and intriguing version of The Three Musketeers at Greater Boston Stage in collaboration with the Front Porch Arts Collective, who seek to advance racial equity in Boston. D’Artagnan, a country boy, is determined to join the prestigious Musketeers in defending one and all from the evil Cardinal Richelieu. Director Dawn M. Simmons presents a gender bending version of the show as they take us on an exciting journey into yesteryear. The show is written by Catherine Bush and adapted from Alexander Dumas’ novel. It celebrates honor, lust for life, romance and true friendship. Of course there are many evil plots and schemes to avert by these Musketeers and their young protégé. Their friendship is what endures during their struggles with adversity and how sticking together through thick and thin wins the day. The astounding swordfights, fights and pratfalls are breathtaking and directed perfectly by Angie Jepson, while the costumes by Amanda Mujica are beautiful.
Leading the cast is Marc Pierre, who tackles the pivotal role of D’Artagnan. He tells stories of how his father always wanted to join the Musketeers so he felt compelled to do so himself. But on his first day in the city he’s attacked by the villainous Rochefort and almost killed by the evil Milady. Pierre’s derring-do spirit as this young up and coming good deed doer shines through in this show. The camaraderie among them is splendidly portrayed. Pierre handles the comic moments with ease but it’s his reaction to the death of Constance that truly sets him apart with his winning portrayal.
His three compatriots are Lyndsey Allen Cox as Athos, Paige Clark as Aramis and James Ricardo Milord as Porthos. They do wonderful jobs as these characters while capturing their good qualities but also showing their human sides at the same time. Athos’ secrets in the past influence the decisions he makes now and helps him save the day after the tragic death of Constance. Aramis studied to be a priest in the past and her time as a Musketeer is almost up. Porthos’ comic manner and womanizing ways helps to lighten up the dark side of the show in the many different sword fighting, brawling and escaping from danger sequences.
Maurice Emmanuel Parent oozes venom from every pore and is evil and menacing as Cardinal Richelieu. The dastardly villain is upset because Queen Anne spurned him for Lord Buckingham and seeks revenge against them. Other villains are excellently played by J.T. Turner as Rochefort, who has a patch over one eye and a hook for a hand. And Margaret Clark as Milady DeWinter, who has a secret past with one of the Musketeers, shines in this role of this woman with a heart of stone who remains an unrepentant witch to the very end.
Sarah Gazdowicz plays Constance Bonacieux, the lady in waiting and confidante to the Queen, and she and D’Artagnan fall madly in love with each other. Gazdowicz plays the sympathetic character beautifully. Other comic characters include Arthur Gomez as the fey King of France who cares more about preening and his jewels then his wife, and Tonasia Jones plays Treville who is in charge of the Musketeers. She pretends to be strict with them but does so with a glint in her eye. So for a high energy show that will keep you enthralled all night long be sure to catch “The Three Musketeers” at Greater Boston Stage Company. It closes out their 19th season with a campy look at this well-known tale.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS (6 to 30 June)
Greater Boston Stage Company, 395 Main Street, Stoneham, MA
1(781)279-2200 or www.greaterbostonstage.org
