All for one and one for all

PALMER — Colony High School’s adaptation of ‘The Three Musketeers’ premieres tonight at 7 p.m. in the school theater. Featuring about 30 actors, this classic tale featuring swashbuckling, witty heroes and dastardly villains assembled the largest cast this year.

“The actors are doing really well,” said Lily Straub, stage manager. “They’ve been doing this for a while.”

This play marks one of many notches this young troupe’s belt, having done several plays before this. Much of the cast and crew took on multiple roles and duties, investing countless hours and learning many skills of the trade. Claire German and her mother, Rebecca Jensen, are the costumed designers for this play. They’ve been involved with both Colony Middle and High School’s theater programs for years. Jensen said that they try to get the students involved with as many projects as they have time for- helping paint the set, sew costumes, craft the props, and so on. Her daughter shared that sentiment of a hands-on experience.

“A little ownership goes a long way with these students,” German said.

German likes this play’s “swashbuckling, Shakespearian atmosphere.” While she sorted through materials from previous plays, students put together handmade props, including a pile of old looking letters used by the characters.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said.

Steven Sutcliffe plays Athos, one of the three musketeers. He said that during his time in the CHS drama department, he’s seen teens shuffle between homework assignments, costume changes, role changes, tinkering with the set, helping sew outfits, and everything in between.

“You gain a lot of work experience,” Straub said.

Sutcliffe said this play was huge, with 36 total scenes, numerous supporting and background characters, and many of the actors played multiple roles.

“It’s a lot longer, more stressful and slightly dangerous,” Sutcliffe said.

The play features several intricate fight scenes. The actors spent many hours learning the choreographic sword play needed for this production, like how to hold the sword properly and getting comfortable with the stances.

“A bunch of high schoolers with weapons should not be trusted,” Sutcliffe laughed. “We practiced a lot we should be good.”

Based on Alexandre Dumas’ novel written in 1844, the play follows the young, hot-headed D'Artagnan’s journey to become a full-fledged musketeer. He fights the forces of evil alongside the three musketeers and best friends who give the story its name: Athos, Aramis and Porthos. D’Artagnan’s winds up forming an unshakable bond with the “three inseparables.” The four of them foil Cardinal Richelieu and Milady de Winter’s dastardly plot to overstep the crown. The three musketeers plus one save France together in a colorful story filled with comedy, action, drama, and friendship.

Colony High Alumni and drama teacher Dina Sawyer is directing the play. During rehearsals, the cast and crew could be seen scurrying about, moving from one task to the next.

“They know I’m a slave-driver,” Sawyer laughed.

The Three Musketeers at CHS will take place this weekend and next. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday, both at 7 p.m. Admission is $7 for students and $10 for adults.