The Three Musketeers
at Tesoro

Reviewed on November 16, 2018

Elena Plumb
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Bravery, Camaraderie, and Love Unite in Tesoro's "Three Musketeers"
written by Elena Plumb, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Set in 17th century France, a world of adulterous royalty, impassioned crusades, and countless duels, "The Three Musketeers" follows swordsman D'Artagnan on his quest to prove his worth to the illustrious musketeers. Through impressive student-orchestrated technical elements and authentic actor portrayals, Tesoro enlivens this age-old tale with unwavering energy and spirit.

Carson Preusse stars as the charming D'Artagnan, swiftly gliding across the stage and wielding his sword with courage and ease. However, when the wide-eyed servant Constance (Sammy Schwartz) catches his eye, his confidence instantly morphs into nervous, boyish excitement. After they kiss, he pumps his fists in elation and grins from ear to ear.

Accompanying D'Artagnan on his journey is his rebellious sister Sabine (Gianna Piva), eager to be treated with the same respect as a valiant man. By casually sauntering, adjusting her trousers, and pinning up her hair, Piva successfully embodies her character's tomboy-like nature.

As the intrepid band of musketeers, Alex Davies-Morris (Porthos), Joshua Page (Athos), and Chris Ho (Aramis) demonstrate a sense of brotherhood while still capturing each character's individuality. Davies-Morris's sweeping gestures and sonorous voice convey his character's flamboyance, while Page and Ho's upright postures emphasize their composure and nobility.

Luca De Marco (Cardinal Richelieu) adopts a sinister presence with his deep, gravelly voice and fierce scowl. While often walking with a rather slow-moving gait, De Marco occasionally erupts into bursts of rapid, forceful movement, repeatedly imprisoning Roquefort (Max Vadas) in a chokehold.

Lighting by Adrianna Ciscone not only signifies setting, once projecting an image of a convent's stained-glass window onto a blank backdrop, but it also corresponds to the mood of each scene. A warm, pink glow illuminates the set as D'Artagnan and Constance embrace, however the light fades to a deep, bloody red as he engages in combat.

Gianna Piva, Samantha Melanson, and Brooke Semelsberger ensure the props are realistic, true to the time period, and attentive to detail. A uniquely colored seal distinguishes each handwritten letter, while Queen Anne's ostentatious necklace consists of the exact number of jewels referenced in the dialogue.

Gripping, humorous, and endearing, Tesoro's production captivates while underlining the importance of camaraderie and unity in a society. As the lights dim, the now four musketeers put their swords together and joyously exclaim their maxim, "All for one, and one for all!"

Elena Plumb
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Bravery, Camaraderie, and Love Unite in Tesoro's "Three Musketeers"
written by Elena Plumb, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Set in 17th century France, a world of adulterous royalty, impassioned crusades, and countless duels, "The Three Musketeers" follows swordsman D'Artagnan on his quest to prove his worth to the illustrious musketeers. Through impressive student-orchestrated technical elements and authentic actor portrayals, Tesoro enlivens this age-old tale with unwavering energy and spirit.

Carson Preusse stars as the charming D'Artagnan, swiftly gliding across the stage and wielding his sword with courage and ease. However, when the wide-eyed servant Constance (Sammy Schwartz) catches his eye, his confidence instantly morphs into nervous, boyish excitement. After they kiss, he pumps his fists in elation and grins from ear to ear.

Accompanying D'Artagnan on his journey is his rebellious sister Sabine (Gianna Piva), eager to be treated with the same respect as a valiant man. By casually sauntering, adjusting her trousers, and pinning up her hair, Piva successfully embodies her character's tomboy-like nature.

As the intrepid band of musketeers, Alex Davies-Morris (Porthos), Joshua Page (Athos), and Chris Ho (Aramis) demonstrate a sense of brotherhood while still capturing each character's individuality. Davies-Morris's sweeping gestures and sonorous voice convey his character's flamboyance, while Page and Ho's upright postures emphasize their composure and nobility.

Luca De Marco (Cardinal Richelieu) adopts a sinister presence with his deep, gravelly voice and fierce scowl. While often walking with a rather slow-moving gait, De Marco occasionally erupts into bursts of rapid, forceful movement, repeatedly imprisoning Roquefort (Max Vadas) in a chokehold.

Lighting by Adrianna Ciscone not only signifies setting, once projecting an image of a convent's stained-glass window onto a blank backdrop, but it also corresponds to the mood of each scene. A warm, pink glow illuminates the set as D'Artagnan and Constance embrace, however the light fades to a deep, bloody red as he engages in combat.

Gianna Piva, Samantha Melanson, and Brooke Semelsberger ensure the props are realistic, true to the time period, and attentive to detail. A uniquely colored seal distinguishes each handwritten letter, while Queen Anne's ostentatious necklace consists of the exact number of jewels referenced in the dialogue.

Gripping, humorous, and endearing, Tesoro's production captivates while underlining the importance of camaraderie and unity in a society. As the lights dim, the now four musketeers put their swords together and joyously exclaim their maxim, "All for one, and one for all!"

Caroline Ullem
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Tesoro puts on an Adventurous Production of "The Three Musketeers"
written by Caroline Ullem, a junior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

A conniving cardinal, sword fighting adventurers, and impressive tech take the stage as Tesoro brings newfound energy to the adventure story of "The Three Musketeers".

D'Artagnan, a country boy with big dreams, decides he wants to follow in his father's footsteps and become a musketeer, a mysterious group of swordsmen who defend the king. After traveling to Paris with his sister, Sabine, D'Artagnan joins the musketeers to stop Cardinal Richelieu's evil plan to overthrow the king and take France himself.

Leading the cast is D'Artagnan, played by Carson Preusse, who uses active facial expressions, tall stance and an energetic stride to illustrate his pride to work with the musketeers and determination to complete his mission. Gianna Piva as Sabine is energetic and boisterous throughout the show, playing a determined swordfighter and a lovesick girl with equal enthusiasm. Luca De Marco plays Cardinal Richelieu with a grizzly, dark voice and a slow, menacing walk, encapsulating the malevolent intentions of his antagonistic character.

Working as the right-hand man to the villainous Cardinal is Max Vadas as Rochefort, who hilariously employs a squeaky voice as he sashays around the stage to do the Cardinal's bidding. Natalie Pappalardo, playing Milady, is menacing and encapsulates the evil of her character through her smooth walk and powerful voice.

The three musketeers are consistently energetic and masterfully keep up with complicated fight choreography. They exude the spirit of camaraderie, whether they are celebrating a victory or in a heated battle with an enemy.

Equally as impressive as the performance aspects of the show are the student designed technical elements. The set team brings the stage to life through their versatile set, complete with a fleur-de-lies on the floor and rocks painted onto the multiple levels of the stage, allowing it to act as a backdrop to court scenes and forest battles with equal success. Costumes, envisioned by Faith Moore and Kellie Petrosian, create a contrast between each group of people in the story and individualize each costume to best fit its character. Stage management (Elise Sorenson) is organized and able to follow the quick moving scenes, even with over 175 cues to follow.

Through sensational acting and effective tech, Tesoro brings to life a timeless story of love, sword fighting duels, and a fight for justice in an adventure production of "The Three Musketeers".

Caroline Ullem
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Tesoro puts on an Adventurous Production of "The Three Musketeers"
written by Caroline Ullem, a junior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

A conniving cardinal, sword fighting adventurers, and impressive tech take the stage as Tesoro brings newfound energy to the adventure story of "The Three Musketeers".

D'Artagnan, a country boy with big dreams, decides he wants to follow in his father's footsteps and become a musketeer, a mysterious group of swordsmen who defend the king. After traveling to Paris with his sister, Sabine, D'Artagnan joins the musketeers to stop Cardinal Richelieu's evil plan to overthrow the king and take France himself.

Leading the cast is D'Artagnan, played by Carson Preusse, who uses active facial expressions, tall stance and an energetic stride to illustrate his pride to work with the musketeers and determination to complete his mission. Gianna Piva as Sabine is energetic and boisterous throughout the show, playing a determined swordfighter and a lovesick girl with equal enthusiasm. Luca De Marco plays Cardinal Richelieu with a grizzly, dark voice and a slow, menacing walk, encapsulating the malevolent intentions of his antagonistic character.

Working as the right-hand man to the villainous Cardinal is Max Vadas as Rochefort, who hilariously employs a squeaky voice as he sashays around the stage to do the Cardinal's bidding. Natalie Pappalardo, playing Milady, is menacing and encapsulates the evil of her character through her smooth walk and powerful voice.

The three musketeers are consistently energetic and masterfully keep up with complicated fight choreography. They exude the spirit of camaraderie, whether they are celebrating a victory or in a heated battle with an enemy.

Equally as impressive as the performance aspects of the show are the student designed technical elements. The set team brings the stage to life through their versatile set, complete with a fleur-de-lies on the floor and rocks painted onto the multiple levels of the stage, allowing it to act as a backdrop to court scenes and forest battles with equal success. Costumes, envisioned by Faith Moore and Kellie Petrosian, create a contrast between each group of people in the story and individualize each costume to best fit its character. Stage management (Elise Sorenson) is organized and able to follow the quick moving scenes, even with over 175 cues to follow.

Through sensational acting and effective tech, Tesoro brings to life a timeless story of love, sword fighting duels, and a fight for justice in an adventure production of "The Three Musketeers".

Sophia Burick
San Clemente
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Tesoro High School's The Three Musketeers is a tale of aspiration and adventure
written by Sophia Burick, a junior at San Clemente High School

In two hours of chaos and frantic fun, Tesoro High School's production of Ken Ludwig's The Three Musketeers brings to life the adventure and allure of 17th century France.

Young and eager D'Artagnan (Carson Preusse) is sent to Paris with his rambunctious sister Sabine (Gianna Piva) and is determined to become one of the King's Musketeers, but encounters several challenges along the way. In a whirlwind of duels, dames, and a particularly devious cardinal, D'Artagnan's journey to prove himself quickly devolves into a struggle to stay alive.

Carson Preusse expertly demonstrates D'Artagnan's naivete upon arriving to Paris through his easily excited manner and boyish banter with his sister. Upon meeting Queen Anne's beautiful lady-in-waiting Constance (Sammy Schwartz), we are reminded of D'Artagnan's innocence through his stuttered and spastic reaction to such a lovely lady. However, as his character is hardened by responsibility and loss, Preusse reveals D'Artagnan's development into a man through dignified posture and a confident, reassured tone.

Gianna Piva's Sabine desperately wishes to escape the confines of womanhood in the 17th century, and sees her brother's adventure as a path to freedom. While initially overlooked by the musketeers, Piva ensures that her character is not ignored through her booming voice and boisterous behavior. Piva's Sabine serves as a testament to the power and persistence of women, even in the face of oppression and doubt.

The devilishly dynamic duo of Cardinal Richelieu (Luca De Marco) and Milady (Natalie Pappalardo) embodies how hunger for power can drive one to pure evil. De Marco's hunched posture and intimidating physicality illustrate his aptitude for cruelty, while Pappalardo's air of seductive sadism reinforces her ability to kill without hesitation.

The costume design (Faith Moore, Kellie Petrosian) and set design (Will Vochelli, Caitlyn Vera, Dominic Vacca, Carly Sherman) teams brilliantly differentiate the King's men from the Cardinal's goons through the use of blue as a symbol of royalty and red as a symbol of the Cardinal's opposition. The hair and makeup design (Natalie Pappalardo, Cate Oveson) further reinforce this divide through the use of light and dark color palettes to show good and evil.

The plight of the characters of Tesoro's The Three Musketeers reveal to all the boldness and bravery required to make a name for yourself in a world determined to keep you down.

Sophia Burick
San Clemente
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Tesoro High School's The Three Musketeers is a tale of aspiration and adventure
written by Sophia Burick, a junior at San Clemente High School

In two hours of chaos and frantic fun, Tesoro High School's production of Ken Ludwig's The Three Musketeers brings to life the adventure and allure of 17th century France.

Young and eager D'Artagnan (Carson Preusse) is sent to Paris with his rambunctious sister Sabine (Gianna Piva) and is determined to become one of the King's Musketeers, but encounters several challenges along the way. In a whirlwind of duels, dames, and a particularly devious cardinal, D'Artagnan's journey to prove himself quickly devolves into a struggle to stay alive.

Carson Preusse expertly demonstrates D'Artagnan's naivete upon arriving to Paris through his easily excited manner and boyish banter with his sister. Upon meeting Queen Anne's beautiful lady-in-waiting Constance (Sammy Schwartz), we are reminded of D'Artagnan's innocence through his stuttered and spastic reaction to such a lovely lady. However, as his character is hardened by responsibility and loss, Preusse reveals D'Artagnan's development into a man through dignified posture and a confident, reassured tone.

Gianna Piva's Sabine desperately wishes to escape the confines of womanhood in the 17th century, and sees her brother's adventure as a path to freedom. While initially overlooked by the musketeers, Piva ensures that her character is not ignored through her booming voice and boisterous behavior. Piva's Sabine serves as a testament to the power and persistence of women, even in the face of oppression and doubt.

The devilishly dynamic duo of Cardinal Richelieu (Luca De Marco) and Milady (Natalie Pappalardo) embodies how hunger for power can drive one to pure evil. De Marco's hunched posture and intimidating physicality illustrate his aptitude for cruelty, while Pappalardo's air of seductive sadism reinforces her ability to kill without hesitation.

The costume design (Faith Moore, Kellie Petrosian) and set design (Will Vochelli, Caitlyn Vera, Dominic Vacca, Carly Sherman) teams brilliantly differentiate the King's men from the Cardinal's goons through the use of blue as a symbol of royalty and red as a symbol of the Cardinal's opposition. The hair and makeup design (Natalie Pappalardo, Cate Oveson) further reinforce this divide through the use of light and dark color palettes to show good and evil.

The plight of the characters of Tesoro's The Three Musketeers reveal to all the boldness and bravery required to make a name for yourself in a world determined to keep you down.