HCT DEBUTS REGIONAL PREMIERE OF “THE THREE MUSKETEERS”

Tony Award-winning Playwright’s Adaptation to Feature Sword Fighting, Fist-to-Cuffs, Combat, Creative Costuming and Innovative Stage Design

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (April 9, 2010) — Hale Centre Theatre (HCT), Utah’s premiere family theatre, will present “The Three Musketeers” April 20 through June 5. The show marks HCT’s second regional premiere of a production by Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig.

After HCT presented “Lend Me a Tenor” in 2008, Ludwig approached the theatre with the prospect of producing “Treasure Island,” even before he had sold the script to the royalties companies. The success of “Treasure Island” in 2009 led to the opportunity for “The Three Musketeers.”

“Being entrusted by Ken to bring another of his masterful scripts to life is a great honor and challenge,” said Sally Dietlein, HCT executive producer. “Our cast and crew have worked tirelessly to portray the action, pageantry and character of his adaptation of this classic story.”

HCT’s production features action-packed sword fighting and combat, an elaborately costumed ball and high-tech stage design. Fight scenes have been meticulously choreographed by Brad Schroeder, a 25-year stage veteran and fight choreographer who has worked on several HCT productions. Actors have diligently practiced to perfect their hands-on combat skills convincingly wielding daggers, muskets and swords. The fighting is complemented by complex sets, including hidden staircases, on HCT’s center stage, which was recently retrofitted with new wiring and a powerful computer system. HCT interpreted the show’s royal ball scene by adorning actors in animal-inspired costuming and using the musical score referenced in Alexandre Dumas’ original novel, the “Ballet de la Merlaison.” Composed in 1635 by King of France Louis XIII, the score serves as soundtrack for the ball and adds to the show’s authenticity.

“The Three Musketeers” is a tale of heroism, treachery, close escapes, honor and romance. Set in 1625 France, the story follows d’Artagnan, a young Frenchman from Gascony, who sets off for Paris in search of adventure. He is accompanied by his sister Sabine, who poses as a male servant and becomes entangled in her brother’s adventures. On their journey, d’Artagnan and Sabine encounter the greatest heroes of the day – Athos, Porthos and Aramis – famous musketeers in the king’s guard. D’Artagnan joins forces with the musketeers to defend the honor of the Queen of France and, with his sister by his side, becomes embattled with the most dangerous men in Europe, Cardinal Richelieu and Rochefort, Captain of the Cardinal’s Guard, and evil Countess de Winter.

Ludwig’s version of the story takes liberties with the plot to elevate the roles of the female leads and forgoes Francophone language to offer a feisty, modern translation. The show premiered in December 2006 at Bristol Old Vic in England. Ludwig’s works have been performed in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages.

HCT’s “The Three Musketeers” is directed by John Adams and stars Allan Groves and Derek Smith as d’Artagnan and Elise Groves and Jessica Pearce as his sister Sabine; Michael Hohl and Ryan Poole as Athos, Anthony Lovato and Matthew Carlin as Porthos and Jeff Dickamore and Paul Cartwright as Aramis, the famous musketeers; Eden Benson and Jennie Richardson as Countess de Winter; Craig Bowen and David Glaittli as Cardinal Richelieu and Monte Garcia and Seth Barney as Rochefort. Fight choreographer is Brad Schroeder, costume designer is Peggy Willis; prop master and set designer is Kacey Udy; lighting designer is Spencer Brown; and sound designer is Dan Morgan.

Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with matinées each Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and occasional weekdays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are Monday through Thursday evenings and matinées, adult $22, child (5-11 years) $15; Friday and Saturday evening shows, adult $26, child (5-11 years) $16. Tickets may be purchased online at www.halecentretheatre.org, via telephone at (801) 984-9000 or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back to top »

'THE THREE MUSKETEERS'

HCT DEBUTS REGIONAL PREMIERE OF "THE THREE MUSKETEERS"