Fayetteville’s own Sweet Tea Shakespeare is preparing to fence its way into summer with a thrilling new production of Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale, The Three Musketeers. Known for their inventive, intimate, and accessible takes on classic literature, the company is breathing fresh life into this timeless story of honor, camaraderie, and intrigue.
The story of The Three Musketeers centers around d’Artagnan and three members of the iconic King’s Guard, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. It is a tale of camaraderie and loyalty, of political intrigue and betrayal, of adventure and rebellion, and swordfighting…lots of swordfighting!
While this classic swashbuckler has seen lots of iterations across stage and screen, Sweet Tea Shakespeare's version promises something genuinely unique. The script is an original, in-house adaptation developed especially for the company by a playwright who wishes to remain anonymous.
Seeking out public domain historical pieces to expand their repertoire, Sweet Tea found the perfect vehicle in Dumas’ masterpiece. This new script stays deeply rooted in the original 1844 novel, ensuring a treat for both literary purists and newcomers alike.
Steering this ambitious project are directors Alexis Robinson and Taj Allen, both making their directorial debuts. The pair have a long history with the theatre company, and both express their excitement at working in this new capacity.
True to Sweet Tea Shakespeare's reputation for forward-thinking theater, the casting for The Three Musketeers is both intentional and subversive. In a bold, creative choice, the iconic Musketeers themselves have been gender-swapped. Rather than simply placing female actors into male roles, the production has intentionally shifted the gender of the characters themselves, exploring how these classic figures operate with an entirely different social dynamic. Meanwhile, central historical figures like the King, Queen, and the villainous Milady de Winter retain their original genders, creating an intriguing contrast.
The ensemble brings together a delightful blend of fresh faces and seasoned Sweet Tea veterans. The chemistry on stage promises to be electric. And, of course, no Sweet Tea Shakespeare production would be complete without live music to enhance the experience. The Three Musketeers will be no exception.
Any production of The Three Musketeers lives and dies by its action, and Sweet Tea is delivering on that front with high-stakes realism. Fight choreographer Jen Pommerenke has been brought in to craft authentic, gripping swordplay. Audiences can expect to see realistic, historically grounded fencing that emphasizes the grit, danger and athleticism of 17th-century combat, bringing the danger right to the edge of the stage.
This adrenaline-fueled adventure will unfold at Arts XL, located at 214 Burgess St. This production marks the second time Sweet Tea Shakespeare has utilized this versatile venue, offering audiences an intimate, immersive performance space where they can feel the wind from every sword swipe and the passion of every line delivered. The support of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and The Capital Encore Academy helps make the production possible.
Don't miss this captivating blend of classic literature and modern theatrical innovation. The Three Musketeers runs for three consecutive weekends: June 11–14, June 18–21, and June 25-28. Grab your tickets in advance through the Sweet Tea Shakespeare website at sweetteashakespeare.com and prepare to join the adventure—all for one, and one for all!