News from Augustana College
James Wheeler of Amenia in Augustana College Theatre Departments The Three Musketeers
ROCK ISLAND, ILL (01/28/2019)– Augustana College Theatre Arts Department will present The Three Musketeers by Ken Ludwig, adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas in the Brunner Mainstage Theatre Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 1-2 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 at 1:30 p.m.
The cast includes Augustana students James Wheeler ’22, of Amenia, NY, Tristan Odenkirk ’21, of Oro Valley, AZ, and Jarod Kovach ’22, of Kaneville, IL, as the three musketeers, Elise Campbell ’19, of Mundelein, IL, as Sabine, and Peter Alfano ’21, of Knoxville, IL, as D’Artagnan, and MJ Mason ’19, of Mesa, AZ, as Milady.
“What I love about this adaptation is that the playwright, Ken Ludwig, has compressed this sweeping, cinematic epic into a fast-paced theatrical adventure,” Jeff Coussens, director, said. “He has heightened the comic elements and given it a more contemporary vibe without losing the charm of the original work. It all adds up to a great, highly entertaining evening of theatre.”
Augustana students Melina Herman ’20, of Orland Park, IL, and Cassandra Karn ’21, of Brimfield, IL, serve as stage manager and assistant stage manager, respectively. Rae Ellen Walker serves as scenic and lighting designer, John D’Aversa as technical director and Ellen Dixon is the costume designer.
Tickets are $15 for the general public, $12 for senior citizens and Augustana faculty/staff, $10 for students and children ages 12 and under, and free for Augustana students with ID. Tickets can be purchased through the Augustana Ticket Office (309) 794-7306 or by visiting augustana.edu/tickets.
This adaptation is based on the timeless swashbuckler by Alexandre Dumas, a tale of heroism, treachery, close escapes, and above all, honor. The story, set in 1625, begins with D’Artagnan, who sets off for Paris in search of adventure. Along with D’Artagnan goes Sabine, his sister, the quintessential tomboy. Sent with D’Artagnan to attend a convent school in Paris, she poses as a young man – D’Artagnan’s servant – and quickly becomes entangled in her brother’s adventures. Soon after reaching Paris, D’Artagnan encounters the greatest heroes of the day – Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, the famous musketeers – and he joins forces with his heroes to defend the honor of the Queen of France. In so doing, he finds himself in opposition to the most dangerous man in Europe, Cardinal Richelieu. Even more deadly is the infamous Countess de Winter, known as Milady, who will stop at nothing to exact revenge on D’Artagnan – and Sabine – for their meddlesome behavior. Little does Milady know that the young girl she scorns, Sabine, will ultimately save the day.
Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 170 Academic All-Americans, two Nobel laureates, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world’s most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.
