The Three Musketeers

Synopsis: 

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 doing so, 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.

 

Character Descriptions/Breakdown

Please note: The ‘gender appearance suggestions’ are from the traditional casting of the show. Non-binary actors are more than welcome and any person who identifies with any gender is welcome to audition for any role. The age recommendations are not strict so please do not be deterred from auditioning by them! We are seeking performers of all races and ethnicities. 

 

D’Artagnan (Masc. 16-30)

A young man from Gascony who has come to Paris to seek his fortune, D’Artagnan’s dearest wish is to join King Louis XIII’s musketeers, as his father before him did. He has a keen sword and even keener mind, except where matters of love are concerned. 

 

Sabine (Fem. 16-25)

D’Artagnan’s younger sister, sent to Paris to go to school. Falls in love with Aramis. A much needed addition to a male centric story to create parallel plot points throughout the play. 

 

Porthos (Masc. 20s-45)

One of the group of three friends, Porthos is given to drinking, gambling, bragging, and dining but is always ready to join in any caper, even if he doesn’t fully understand what’s going on. 

Athos (Masc. 20s-45)

Another of the group of three musketeers, all of whom are quick to fight, quick to love, and quick to fight for the honor of France and its ladies, Athos is the leader of the group, both in intelligence and swordsmanship, though he has a secret past. 

 

Aramis (Masc. 20s-45)

Another of the three musketeers, Aramis enjoys theological discussions, but is instantly ready to defend his honor or anyone else’s from insult or injury. 

 

“Milady,” the Countess de Winter (Fem. 20-40)

(“A woman with a shadowy past”) Milady is an English widow and an agent of the Cardinal. She is the Mata Hari of the seventeenth century, accustomed to getting her way with any man she meets, able to win any woman’s confidence, and is a fierce fighter. 

 

Louis XIII, King of France (Masc. 16-25)

Louis is a jealous husband. Spurred on by Cardinal Richelieu, he suspects his Queen of carrying on amorous, rather than political, intrigues. 

 

Anne, Queen of France (Fem. 16-25)

Wife of Louis XIII and one of the greatest princesses in Europe, Anne is from the Hapsburg dynasty of Austria, with a brother who is king of Spain. She values honor above all else and is constantly at odds with Richelieu for the safety of France. Only her soft heart gets her in trouble. 

 

Cardinal Richelieu (Masc. 30s-60)

The cardinal is devoted to saving France from her enemies and will sacrifice anyone who gets in his way. To him, the end justifies any and all means. His guards are rivals of the king’s musketeers and are forever trying to usurp their authority. 

 

Rochefort  (Masc. 20s - 40) 

“The man with a scar on his face,” Rochefort is the cardinal’s chief henchman. He sets up traps for unsuspecting citizens and assists Milady with all her schemes. 

 

Constance Bonacieux (Fem. 16-25)

Although she is of modest birth, Constance is goddaughter of the Queen’s steward. Because of this connection she has obtained a position as Lady in Waiting to the Queen. She has also become the Queen’s confidante. 

 

Captain de Tréville (Masc. 40s-60)

As commander of the King’s Musketeers, Captain Tréville has a hard time keeping them in order. He would obviously prefer to be a soldier than an administrator, having a fighting spirit equal to any of his men. 

 

The Duke of Buckingham (Masc. 16-25)

Former English ambassador to the court of France, he has fallen hopelessly in love with Queen Anne. He dreams of one day leading an army to France and conquering not only the country but Anne’s heart. He would give anything, even his life, to save her honor.

 

Featured Ensemble (16+) 

There are many featured and named roles in the script that bring a hilarious edge to the story. ‘Ensemble’ members will likely double as multiple roles throughout the play. These roles include, but are not limited to: 

SOPHIE DELACROIX: “Niece” of Cardinal Richelieu.

D’ARTAGNAN’S FATHER AND MOTHER

BASILLE: Looks after horses at Mauriac inn, cohort of Rochefort.

RAVANCHE: Rough and dangerous bully, cohort of Rochefort.

DEBRIS: One of Cardinal’s Guards.

ADÉLE: Admirer of Porthos.

ELISE: Admirer of Aramis.

MOTHER SUPERIOR: Of the Convent of the Sacred Heart where Sabine is sent to school

FACHE: Supporter of Cardinal Richelieu

STANLEY: The Duke of Buckingham’s major-domo