D’artagnan and The Three Musketeers take on the king’s guardsmen in the Philelectic Society’s fall 2015 production of The Three Musketeers.

By John Kling, Staff Writer
The Blue Jay newspaper

The Jesuit Philelectic Society is known for building a strong sense of camaraderie and producing lifelong friendships. The classic tale of “All for one, and one for all,” therefore, is a natural draw for the acting troupe.

For its fall production, the Phils will thrust and parry their way through the swashbuckling tale of The Three Musketeers. (See ticket and performance info below.)

The timeless story of adventure and romance by Alexandre Dumas has been adapted for the stage by modern playwright Ken Ludwig.

The main protagonist of the play is d’Artagnan, a young Frenchman from Gascony, who sets off for 17th century Paris in search of adventure and to join the famed Musketeers, the guards of French royalty. D’Artagnan is played by junior Jordan Kelley. (See the full cast list.)

Joining him on the road to Paris, where she is supposed to be enrolled in a convent school, is his sister, Sabine. Played by Sylvia Owen, she disguises herself as a boy and becomes a part of her brother’s adventures.

In Paris, d’Artagnan meets the titular trio of Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, played respectively by senior Ben Gillen, and juniors Edward Medina and Matthew O’Neill. In his initial encounter, d’Artagnan offends the Musketeers while trying to speak with Rochefort (senior Henry Mason), an agent for the wicked Cardinal Richelieu (senior Thomas Hellmers).

The Musketeers challenge d’Artagnan to a duel, but Richelieu’s men attempt to arrest the group before the duel could begin. However, the four join ranks to defeat the soldiers, ensuring d’Artagnan’s welcome by the trio.

Later, d’Artagnan falls in love with the lovely Madame Constance Bonacieux, (Lindsey Falgoust). Yet, the new Musketeer must prove his worth to his love when he and his men must rescue Constance from the evil clutches of Rochefort, who has captured and beaten the young woman by the orders of the nefarious Richelieu.

Other key characters include the leader of the Musketeers, Monsieur de Treville, depicted by senior Cameron McCall, King Louis XIII (senior Adam Ledet), and Milady de Winter, a dangerous woman with a dark past, portrayed by Ellanor Patton.

The play promises action, suspense, and romance throughout and is sure to please Jesuit audiences throughout its several performances.

Purchase Tickets Online

One of the highlights of the show is the use of advanced swordplay. The main cast has practiced extensively in the field of classic fencing in the weeks leading up to the performance. To stage the fight choreography, the Phils called on Alex Wallace, a member of the noted NOLA Project theatrical troupe.

Kelley said he has particularly enjoyed his experience in learning swordplay.

“Learning stage combat for the show was quite possibly the most enjoyable thing I’ve ever done,” he said. “Instead of simply going through one various position and on the other you have to react like you’re about to die at any moment.

“It’s exhilarating and is truly an art form like no other,” he said of the realistic looking fights.

The heart-pounding romp has performances in the Jesuit Auditorium on Nov. 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m., and a matinee performance on Nov. 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets

Pre-Sale/Advance Purchase (Purchase Now)
$10 for adults, $5 for students

At-the-Door Purchase
$15 for adults, $10 for students

Performance Details

Friday, Nov. 13 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, Nov. 14 @ 7:30 PM
Thursday, Nov. 19 @ 6:30 PM
Friday, Nov. 20 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ 2:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ 7: 30 PM