With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
The Village Players will present The Three Musketeers at the historic James McCabe Theatre in Valrico beginning with the traditional Dinner Theatre Opening Night on Friday, June 9. Cost to attend is $35 per person. All funds raised at the Opening Night are earmarked for renovations of the historic building. The James McCabe Theatre is located at 506 5th St. in Valrico.
The Three Musketeers will be performed for three weeks in June. Regular shows will be held on Friday, June 16 and 23; Saturday, June 10, 17 and 24. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the curtain call at 8 p.m. There will be two Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. on June 11 and 18.
Tickets for the regular shows are $18 and $15 for seniors, students and military with ID. Groups of 10 or more are also $15 per person, but these seats must be reserved in advance.
The Village Players’ adaptation is based on the timeless swashbuckler tale by Alexandre Dumas. It is a tale of heroism, treachery, close escapes and above all, honor. The story is set in 1625 and features d’Artagnan and his sister, Sabine, the quintessential tomboy, who are on their way to Paris to drop off Sabine at a convent. As soon as they reach Paris, they encounter the greatest heroes of the day: Athos, Porthos and Aramis, the famous musketeers. They join forces to defend the honor of the Queen of France and face treachery and danger.
Gail Pierce, a producer for the Village Players said, “This show, which is three months in the making, includes live fencing, action and adventure.”
Steven Bucko, director of The Three Musketeers said, “The Three Musketeers is an amazing story. That is why it is popular hundreds of years after it was written.” Bucko added, “I love this show for a bunch of reasons. The first and most fun is the combat. We have over 10 sword fights and several more fights with fists, daggers and wine bottles. We are going to give the audience a combat showcase that is rare for any community theatre. The Three Musketeers is an exciting adventure and we want our audience to feel that excitement the entire time they are watching.”
For more information on the Village Players and to get tickets to The Three Musketeers, please call 480-3147 or visit www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com.
