Hello! This is my second review for Encore Stage & Studio and I was very happy to be asked back. Why, do you ask? Because I really enjoy their productions! Even though I haven’t reviewed that many, I have seen a lot of their shows and this latest production did not disappoint! Encore is a children’s theatre – kids performing for kids which is an amazing concept. What kid couldn’t imagine himself as a character in the play after seeing his peers onstage?
Anyway, this past weekend, seasoned and new performers alike debuted their version of The Three Musketeers, [adapted by Matthew Heap and Susan Keady,] originally written by Alexandre Dumas. The young and extremely talented cast gave their all in a play that combined swash-buckling drama with laugh-out-loud comedy. Adding a few twists to the well-known story, Encore showcased an updated version of this literary classic, focusing on the ideas of friendship and feminism.
Encore Stage & Studio’s presentation of The Three Musketeers was truly unique and brought 21st-century attitudes and jokes to liven up the classic tale. My favorite part of this theatrical experience was that it was really funny and the cast was so energetic and delivered their one-liners with perfect comedic timing. The young actors were true professionals and some even demonstrated their high-quality sword-fighting skills!
For this play, the cast transports you to 17th century France where the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks. Having been captured and imprisoned, an older self-proclaimed “fourth” Musketeer, D’Artagnan, regales his jailers with the not-so-often heard tale of his friends, the three more famous Musketeers – Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. He recollects how the quartet once uncovered a dastardly plot to kidnap the King’s favorite pup and enlisted the help of their countrymen and a trio of fearless girls to defeat the evil Cardinal Richelieu and his minions and rescue the adorable little dog, Deimos.
The cast was superb – especially, the “four” Musketeers: Sam Regardie, Oliver Meek, John Monaco, and Henry Mangum; each of whom handled their roles admirably. All had a great sense of the stage and knew just the right moment to pause for the audience’s laughter. And, Samantha Russell as Milady de Winter was perfect in the role of Cardinal Richelieu’s wicked accomplice.
If you love plays where the characters engage in daring and romantic adventures and are looking for a fun-for-the-whole-family theatre experience, purchase your tickets now to see Encore Stage & Studio’s The Three Musketeers.
The show’s run-time is approximately 1.5 hours with a 15-minute intermission. Performances run February 28 – March 8, 2020, at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S. Glebe Rd Arlington, VA 22204). Friday performances are at 7:30 pm; Saturday performances are at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm; and Sunday performances are at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Children, Students, Military, and Seniors and are available online at www.encorestage.org or by calling the box office at (703) 548-1154.
Meet the Reviewer:
Mac Cronin is in the sixth grade at Westminster School in Annandale, Virginia. Mac is an enthusiastic fan of the theatre, especially children’s theatre, and hopes to have the opportunity to view, and review, many more of these great Encore Stage & Studio shows!
Photos by Rebecca Pfeil and Larry McClemons. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian and Aimee Pangan.
Review by Mac Cronin. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.