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Cuesta College presents family-friendly “Three Musketeers”

April 28, 2012

The Cuesta College Drama Department presents the dazzling swordplay of d’Artagnan and “The Three Musketeers” in a family-friendly performance with video projections, live music, singing, dancing, and lavish costumes.

Based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas, this rollicking tale set in 1625 Paris follows heroes d’Artagnan and Musketeers Athos, Porthos and Aramis in their quest to defend the honor of the Queen of France.

Director Bree Valle has joined forces with acclaimed fight choreographer David Barker (director of Arizona State University’s graduate performance program) for flights of vicious swordplay, flashing daggers, and bawdy fisticuffs.

“David brings a palpable sense of adventure to the stage – the sword fighting is fast-paced and cinematic,” says Chris Kamas, student fight captain, who portrays Aramis. “Mr. Barker is a modern-day Errol Flynn. Fans of action films are going to love this show.”

Tracy Ward, PCPA Theaterfest costume designer, acquired costumes from the original production adapted by Linda Alper, Douglas Langworthy and Penny Metropulos at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

“The Three Musketeers” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 27, 28, 29, May 4, and 5 and 2 p.m. May 6 in the Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center on the San Luis Obispo campus on Highway 1.

General admission is $15; students with ID, $10; and children 12 and younger, $5. Call 546-3198 or order tickets online at cpactickets.cuesta.edu. Parking is free.


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I would rather watch paint dry than to see this play.


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The title of this non-review is misleading. Bree Valle has created the king to be a decadent pedophile and the cardinal is also portrayed as homosexual. The production is not suitable for children. The production, while showcasing a beautiful set and strong technical direction, is offensive to gay people, and it misses the historical point of the original story–power corrupts and leads to decadence and lack of integrity. The acting is stilted, particularly that of valle’s husband Phil, and as usual, the community college director has pushed her students (though in truth they appear to be in the minority of the casting, as many of the actors don’t appear to be students at all) to overact to such an extreme that the delivery of lines is inarticulate, loud and a mish mash of odd accents. I was really disappointed, and left feeling insulted and unamused.


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First I want to start by saying what a wonderful show! I was so happy to attend. But janetjackson I have some questions for you. What do you base your accusation of the King being a “pedophile” and the Cardinal being gay on? First of all the king historically was an extremely eccentric character, who happened to be homosexual. Clearly, if usually you’ve seen the acting in Cuesta college productions, then you also had an opportunity to watch Rent, the last show they did. And actually the last show that Bree Valle directed. Hmm… it seems to me that someone who just got done choosing to direct a piece about the struggles of homosexuality and HIV/AIDS, would know a little something of what is and isn’t offensive to the gay community. Wouldn’t they? Additionally, what does a student appear to be? If you’re simply coming to superficial conclusions based on their age or appearance than I’m afraid you’ve not only missed the point of a COMMUNITY college, but now have offended an entire demographic of attending students. Honestly, if you would do a little fact-checking you would find that there are only a couple of actors in the play that aren’t students.

People can take what they will from our opinions, but honestly reviews are simply that, opinions, and often times they unfortunately are not substantially supported. The facts are that it never says nor shows that the King is neither a pedophile, nor that the cardinal is gay, and although the last reviewer was offended by the homosexual portrayal of the King, he is simply an eccentric character with a lisp. If the reviewer is assuming that how the King acts is clearly “homosexual,” then it’s truly offensive to the gay community that the reviewer believes that the traits the King shows are signs of homosexuality, assuming homosexual stereotypes. The King never states he is homosexual in any way, but “janetjackson” believes that just because the King is flamboyant and speaks with a lisp he must be gay. The facts also dictate that there are exquisite costumes, beautifully manufactured set pieces, perfectly choreographed sword fights; I counted about 9 fights in total, and is an amazing experience for everyone of all ages to enjoy, unrivaled by any film in theaters now. I definitely enjoyed myself and I am absolutely going back for another rousing experience. Can’t wait for the next show!


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Perhaps dressing in drag, lisping about for the bulk of the show, and repeatedly thrusting his hips forward when yelling “a Boy?” was what JanetJackson saw. I saw it too. Sure, it’s funny, but it’s not necessary. If you plan to sell seats as a “family event” then produce a family event. I took my two young girls and was disappointed with those plot twists. The costumes, on the other hand, were fantastic and Oscar worthy.


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