The Arts Club Theatre has done something I thought impossible — to turn an epic novel about life in France in the 17th century into a comedy! Not only that, but the production for this show is swashbuckling fun, with the audience on opening night standing several times through the evening to applaud the show and the wonderful cast of characters bringing Dumas’ tale of friendship, love and gallows peril to life.
This co-production with Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre features superb, often very nuanced production by Daryl Cloran, and breathtaking sword play directed by Jonathan Hawley Purvis. The cast provides a full on exciting, yet thoughtful, show. Daniel Fong as D’Artagnan gives a performance that will make you realize that friendship, love and high jinks fit together very well. Scott Bellis as the evil, self-absorbed Cardinal Richelieu adds a wonderfully sinister touch, and will probably remind you of a currently high profile politician.
Production values are also definitely top notch, despite a seemingly sparse set on a rotating stage, you always know immediately when there is a change of place and emotion.
The Three Musketeers is probably one of the best works from the Arts Club Theatre in a few years and you will have a wonderful time when you go. It’s at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Theatre until February 16.
Here is a brief glimpse of the show’s hilarious actions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIo1C20I3ns&t=30s
Information and tickets:
https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/the-three-musketeers