Review: Adventure and Amazing Swordplay by THE THREE MUSKETEERS at Birmingham Children's Theatre

Birmingham Children's Theatre really should have installed seat belts because this show is a roller coaster. Right from the start "The Three Musketeers" raises the bar of anything I have seen in Birmingham. This by no means is a standard play for children. It is high adventure for all ages . Director Brandon Bruce delivers great theater combined with a high-energy stunt show. You are treated to dazzling sword fights, combat acrobatics, and a dramatic plot with interesting characters performed by amazing actors. Birmingham Children's Theatre's "The Three Musketeers" truly is an action novel come to life. I did not expect to experience such a level of awe and joy in the performance. It was same feeling I had after viewing "The Princess Bride" for the first time.

This classic story is rich with the spirit of adventure, friendship, honor and romance. "The Three Musketeers" was written by Alexandre Dumas in 1844. He wrote a long list of plays and novels including "The Count of Monte Cristo." This play is a 2008 adaptation written by Ken Ludwig. d'Artagnan (Christian Andrew Hatcher) is a idealistic young man from the rural town of Guscony, France. His dream is to join the noble Musketeers in the big city of Paris. d'Artagnan's father (John Gales ) sends him forth with a letter of introduction to his friend who is now the head of The Musketeers. He is also sent with his little sister Sabine (Tahauny Cleghorn), to be escorted to the convent to be educated. Along the way d'Artagnan encounters the villainous Rochefort (Timothy Kersey). This makes for trouble but also puts him on a path to meet a trio of the brave Musketeers. Athos (Steven Sullivan), Porthos (Jesse Graham), and Aramis (Zach Stoltz).

The half wit King Louis (John Gales) is being played for a fool by the scheming power hungry Cardinal Richelieu (G. Dwayne Johnson). A play to rule is being orchestrated in the shadows by the evil Cardinal with the help of a despicable temptress Milady (Rebecca Yeager). The story unfolds into a swashbuckling spectacular where d'Artagnan, Sabine and the three Musketeers forge a bond and fight for right, and the good of France. "All for one and one for all."

From start to finish the play has witty word play, fun characters, building tension and jaw dropping sword fights that come at you at a lightning pace. Fight director Alexis Black showcases skills leading the actors in some amazing sword play and stage combat to the likes I have never seen. The world of The Musketeers is masterfully created in by amazing details created by scenic designer Ashley Ann Woods and lighting designer Jess Falco. Costume designer Brittany Dee Bodley and wig designer Laura Kilgore Barnett add the perfect touch to transporting the audience into this wonderful world of adventure.

Birmingham Children's Theatre

"The Three Musketeers"

By Ken Ludwig

Directed by Brandon Bruce

d'Artagnan - Christian Andrew Hatcher

d'Artagnan's father, Treville, King Louis - John Gales

Sabine - Tahauny Cleghorn

Rochefort - Timothy Kersey

Athos - Steven Sullivan

Porthos - Jesse Graham

Aramis - Zach Stoltz

Cardinal Richelieu - G. Dwayne Johnson

Milady - Rebecca Yeager

Constance - Virginia Barr

Queen Anne - Kelly Connaughton

Duke of Buckingham - Terrance Boykin

Youth Ensemble - Jayda C. Davis, Jimmy Mayo, Lauren Parish, Gabrielle Stanley, Dakota Ward, and Selby Whaley

The Magic City Theatre is an impressive and spacious new theatre in the round. Located inside the Brookwood Village right next to Macy's on the second floor. Plenty of free parking and lots to choose from at the food court. Don't be thrown by the cost of the ticket. It is well worth the priceless memories found in this amazing production.

Birmingham Children's Theatre

"The Three Musketeers"

The Magic City Theatre at Brookwood Village.

July 12th - 29th

Thursdays - Saturdays @ 7:00pm.

Saturdays & Sundays @ 2:00pm.

Wed. July 25th @ 7:00pm.

For tickets and more info - www.bct123.org

Photo credits: Ashley Ann Woods, Tammy Stringfellow

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