By Alayna Een
Front Row Reviewers went for Baroque—1600s French Baroque, that is—with Cobb&Co.’s production of The Three Musketeers at The Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork, Utah. This daring tale of young love and old mistakes, loyalty and betrayal is one of Alexandre Dumas’s most beloved and adapted tales.
The most compelling musketeer in both story and character is Athos, who Esteban Senzing brings to life with intensity and emotion. His memorable performance is a fitting tribute to his mother, to whom the show is dedicated. Jade Higley adds an essential element to this swashbuckling tale with his artful fight choreography, in addition to portraying the pensive Porthos. Aramis (Nate Erickson) is the proper and artsy member rounding out the iconic trio. The playful interactions and easy camaraderie of the musketeers create a solid foundation for the main story.
Chris Doubleday (d’Artagnan) brings teenage heartthrob vibes to the hot-blooded Gascon with moody hair-flips, stormy sulks, and exaggerated flirting. And while it can be easy to write off this duel-happy Romeo, his moral discomfort with the musketeers’ quest provides interesting conflict between the characters. Alexa Quigly plays Constance, the queen’s handmaid. She is humorously flighty and infatuated with d’Artagnan, but she shows spine and strength when it matters most. Elizabeth Williams’s Planchet does credit to the cookware-wielding lackey and is always ready with a comic barb or saving blow.
I have always though that Milady de Winter is by far the most compelling character in Dumas’s novel, and John Cobb’s (writer) take on the story adds some satisfying twists that make the fearless femme fatale less ruthless—and yet more clever—than she seems. Hannah Hacking-Brown balances the mystery and intrigue of the character with a touch of tender longing that makes the romantic tension with Senzig’s Athos one of the most powerful elements of the play.
The frilly, supercilious Duke of Buckingham (Reilly MacMichael) spouts poetry and stirs the pot in the scandal-avoidant French court with a pretentious flair that contrasts well with d’Artagnan’s bold honesty—though the two may have more in common than they realize.
Gabi and Brandon Pack have often shared the spotlight at the Angelus, but now they bring their talents backstage as a directing duo. This power couple’s vision is well executed in the production, and the Cardinal (performed by Brandon Pack) has an ad-lib jab at one of the ten commandments that ended up being my favorite comedy bit. Stage manager/set designer Ruthie Cobb, costume designer Erin Cobb, and dance choreographer Chris Valenzuela fill and set the stage with warmth and color that supports the lively show.
Very few adaptations of The Three Musketeers stay close to the original story, with the popular 1993 Disney film being both the most popular adaptation and one of the least accurate. I appreciate John Cobb’s balance between adapting the characters and the story while building it and making it his own. All in all—and one for all—this theatrical adventure is a funny, heartfelt experience that the whole family can enjoy together.
Cobb&Co. presents The Three Musketeers by John Cobb
Angelus Theatre, 165 N. Main Street, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
September 18–30, 2023, 7:30–9:30 PM
Tickets: $11–$13
801-358-8134
angelustheatre@gmail.com
Angelus Theatre Facebook Page
Three Musketeers Facebook Event
Electronic Playbill
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