The Monroe-Woodbury Drama Club explores the question, “What if my dream is to fight people for the French King Louis XIII?” in their fall production of “The Three Musketeers.” The play will be performed in the Monroe-Woodbury High School auditorium on Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold for $10 online.
“The Three Musketeers” is set in 17th century France, under the rule of King Louis XIII. The play follows a young soldier, D’Artagnan, who wishes to become a musketeer for the King’s guard. He interns as a cadet fighting alongside the musketeers, facing ups and downs throughout the play.
Choosing “The Three Musketeers” for the fall production was not a shot-in-the-dark decision. It was deliberately chosen because it has a larger cast than last year’s fall production, “Clue: On Stage”, which lots of people auditioned for. Additionally, it was chosen to not only entertain the audience, but to give the cast and crew positive experiences.
According to the director, Mr. Kaplan, this play can benefit actors by teaching them to stage fight, a valuable skill to have in their repertoire. Many professional theater productions feature stage fighting skills.
“Over half of the rehearsal process has been working with fencing and rapier swords, [and] in addition to memorizing lines and blocking, memorizing sword fighting. If you mess up one move, it becomes dangerous,” said Tyler Landusky, a senior who plays the lead, D’Artagnan.
This year, the Drama Club is working with fight choreographer Brad Lemons, who held stage combat workshops during production for both actors and non-actors to attend.
“He’s taught us a lot about the world of stage combat,” said Landusky.
Set builders of the crew must design spaces for actors to have sword duels, including steady platforms to fight upon.
“This production has been very hands-on for the crew, for the director, and for the actors. It’s a lot larger scale than plays we’ve done in the past,” said Mr. Kaplan.
The costuming crew’s job is to provide costumes that fit 17th century France, and make sure they are functional enough to fight in. Alongside fighting outfits, they costumed the actors in big, extravagant costumes, such as dresses with hoop skirts.
“There are some heavier moments, but this is an old-timey adventure,” said Mr. Kaplan, “with swash-buckling fights.”
The fall play will be followed by a musical performed in the spring, “The Secret Garden.”
“D’Artagnan’s character arc is very emotional, while the show is very fun, upbeat & entertaining, I hope to bring some of that emotional impact to the audience,” said Landusky.
