A timeless tale of adventure with epic live swordfights comes to Merced next week, as “The Three Musketeers” opens Friday, Oct. 20, at the Merced College Theater.
Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, the play offers a fresh take on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. Directed by Merced College Professor Lauren McCue-Bryx, with impressive fight choreography by Technical Director Chad Phillips, “The Three Musketeers” is a thrilling, comedic show for all ages.
Merced College students are involved in all aspects of the production. Some students are assisting talented costume designer Christine Silveira in creating early 17th-century costumes and boots. They are also involved in mask making.
“I really enjoyed working on the masquerade masks for the ball scene,” student Niara Jones said. “It was fun envisioning what each mask would look like based on time period, symbolism, and character.”
The cast of 35 features several Merced College theater students in lead roles. Matthew Rivera stars as D’Artagnan, and the role of Sabine, his younger sister, is played by Haley Paulissian.
Rivera has previously appeared in plays such as Karen Zacarías’ “Just Like Us” and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” at Merced College, and the musicals “Coraline” and “Pippin” at Playhouse Merced.
“This show has been an amazing opportunity for me to further my acting skills,” Rivera said. “I hope to take what I’ve learned at Merced College with me and pursue a career in the theater world.”
Paulissian has performed at many theaters across the Central Valley, including Prospect Theater in Modesto and Playhouse Merced. She was last seen onstage at Merced College in the role of Queen Jocasta in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Tyrannus.”
“The Three Musketeers” runs October 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., and October 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $22. Discounted tickets for seniors, students, military and children are $15. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
Tickets can be purchased online at mccd.tix.com or at the Merced College Theater Box Office. The box office, located in front of the theater at 3600 M St. in Merced, will be open one hour prior to every show. The box office will also be open as follows:
- Oct. 11: 4-6 p.m.
- Oct. 12: 4-6 p.m.
- Oct. 17: 4-6 p.m.
- Oct. 19: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Oct. 20: 1-3 p.m.
- Oct. 26: 1-3 p.m.
- Oct. 27: 1-3 p.m.
For more information, contact the Theater Box Office at 209-384-6284 or visit mccd.tix.com.
Merced College does not discriminate, and prohibits harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Media Contacts
James Leonard, james.leonard2@mccd.edu, 209-681-1061
