West Coast Premiere Of THE THREE MUSKETEERS Brings Fun For All To Norris Theatre Stage

It's all for one, and one for all, as Palos Verdes Performing Arts presents the West Coast premiere of Catherine Bush's humorous and witty adaptation of the epic novel by Alexandre Dumas, "The Three Musketeers." The exclusive engagement at the Norris Theatre on the Palos Verdes Peninsula runs January 25 through February 3. Filled with adventure, romance, intrigue and swashbuckling swordplay, the play transports the audience to 17th Century France on a thrilling journey with the three heroes as they fight against the dishonest and seek to protect the ones they love.

The production is directed by Orestes Arcuni and produced by Chris Gilbert. It stars Equity actors Justin Ray ( Aramis); Ross Hellwig (Athos); Connor Sullivan (D'artagnan); and Erik Gratton (Rochefort). Also featured are Henry Kelly (Porthos); Krista Curry (Lady de Winter); and Skip Pipo (Cardinal Richelieu).

Rounding out the cast are Collin Bressie, Casey Dean, Oscar Emmanuel Fabela, Aja Gomez, Aaron McGee, Carene Rose Mekertichyan, Andi Salaiz, Paul Stanko, Patrick Vest, and Benjamin White.

An action-packed tale for the entire family, "The Three Musketeers" follows the escapades of the brave d'Artagnan, who seeks to join the legendary Three Musketeers -- the cynical Athos, the vain Porthos and the priestly Aramis, in order to defend the honor of the King and Queen against the villainous Cardinal Richelieu. An exciting story of international intrigue, lovers in peril, brotherhood, carefully guarded secrets and revenge, the play is set in a time when love and honor ruled the world.

In keeping with the demands of Dumas' sweeping tale, Greg Fritsche's set accommodates almost 20 locations as the action shifts from the streets of Paris to secret rooms in royal chambers. The lavish sword fights, choreographed by Erik Gratton, range from large-scale brawls to one-on-one duels and embrace a variety of tones from comedic to dangerous.

Catherine Bush's new stage play of "The Three Musketeers" infuses the classic novel with humor and modern sensibilities, adding several unexpected twists. She has created a fun, free-spirited, yet tender brotherhood that enhances the "all for one, one for all, united we stand, divided we fall" theme that has made the story so beloved for generations.

Dumas' work has been translated into more than 100 languages and has been made into a multitude of films. In fact, "The Three Musketeers was adapted for the big screen six different times before movies had sound. And today -more than 150 years after its original serialized publication-the novel's popularity has never abated. Since 1900, every decade has seen at least one new version of "The Three Musketeers" on film or television.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at.7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $30-$70. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at (310) 544-0403 or go topalosverdesperformingarts.com. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates.

About Palos Verdes Performing Arts

Established in 1983, the nonprofit Palos Verdes Performing Arts (formerly named Norris Center for the Performing Arts) produces and presents a full season of professional, live theatre performances each year, from Broadway musicals to concerts and plays. The Center is comprised of three facilities; the 450-seat Norris Theatre, the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, and a dedicated conservatory that houses its acclaimed performing arts education program. Palos Verdes Performing Arts

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