The Three Musketeers

The world undoubtedly needs a bit more swashbuckling. The Indiana Repertory Theatre opens its 45th season with the classic tale of The Three Musketeers. The show is adventurous and hilarious. It never takes itself too seriously, especially in the first act, and it's incredibly fun because of that. 

Jeb Burris plays D’Artagnan with an unending stream of earnestness. He's captivating as a young man devoted to king, country, and the woman he loves. Milady de Winter (Elizabeth Laidlaw) is a classic femme fatale. She is haughty and dangerous, and completely enthralling. Ryan Artzberger, David Folsom, and Nathan Hosner play the title musketeers as Athos, Porthos, and Aramis respectively. They are moody, reflective or jovial in all the right measures. In one scene Artzberger makes a murder feel almost like a prayer.

The show is directed by Henry Woronicz, who starred in the one-man show An Iliad in 2013. This is his first time directing at the IRT and it's not a disappointment. Under his deft hand, the comical adventure takes a tragic twist in the second act. Though the focus remains set on adventure, we dig a bit deeper into the characters' back stories and the light banter turns to more weighty subjects. This particular adaptation includes some clever story telling moments with silhouettes and flashbacks. 

The set is sparse, allowing for elaborate sword fights courtesy of Paul Dennhardt, who serves as the fight director. The costumes include big leather boots that would make a pirate proud and hats plumed with ostentatious feathers. There were only a few moments in the show when the  campiness leaned into cheesiness, but the audience loved it.

The production is a perfect season opener. It swings the IRT's doors wide and yells to Indy, "Come in! We're having a blast in here." Though it is an entertaining romp at times, the darker points means it's not appropriate for little kids.   

Don't Miss the Show 
The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, one-half block west of the Circle Center Mall between northbound Illinois St. and southbound Capitol Ave. "The Three Musketeers" runs until Oct. 15 on IRT's OneAmerica Mainstage. Times for performances can be found at www.irtlive.com or by calling the IRT box office at (317) 635-5252. To purchase tickets call (317) 635-5252 or order online at www.irtlive.com

Photos courtesy of the IRT