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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Beyond Musketeers: Utopia Lost Also see Gil's review of Hair
The year is 2075 and the city of New Phoenix has risen from the ashes, rebuilt after most of humanity has been destroyed through war. While the city is regally led by King Louis III and Queen Anne, there is plenty of conflict with the religious Minister Richelieu secretly scheming for power and the lower class heretics feeling oppressed, while all are threatened by the strange tribe of Berserkers. Into this city stumbles young man Dartagnon, eager to join the rogue Musketeers to passionately fight, literally and figuratively, for what he believes in and to help the King and Queen ensure that New Phoenix prospers under the right leadership. The script keeps intact most of the characters, plot points, and themes of the novel, while changing the setting to a future world that somewhat resembles a cross between the settings of Mad Max and The Hunger Games. That it all works splendidly is due to both director Brian Maticic and the writers, who never let the action turn to camp while allowing each of the characters to be fully fleshed out and interesting. The play bogs down just a bit in act two but still manages to be a fun frolic punctuated with skilled and precise fight choreography. David Magadan has the right combination of youthful exuberance and optimism to make Dartagnon a character you can easily root for. As the continually sparing, bickering, and joking Musketeers, Cody Goulder, Mia Pasarella, and Anabel Olguin as Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, respectively, are splendid, giving the sense that they've know each other, and fought beside each other, for years. Pasarella is an absolute bad ass as Porthos, who is not only incredibly strong, but a wisecracking, sensual, butt-kicking lesbian. Pasarella has a firmly rooted take on this highly likable female character. Olguin is just as feisty as Pasarella yet also the level-headed one in group, instilling Aramis with a keen sense of justice. Goulder does a fine job of creating an introspective man with a secret. All four form a team that lives and breathes the famous motto of "one for all and all for one." In the supporting cast, Carolyn McBurney is perfect as the conspiring Minister Richelieu. When in a very "matter of fact" way she states, with an evil but quiet tone, that "no person is exempt from justice" you know she means business. Mat Vansen and Shelby Maticic are appropriately royal but not pompous as the King and Queen. I do wish both characters were a little less whiny and had a bit more to do in the plot, as they both are mainly reduced to bystander roles, watching the action unfold in front of them. Allison Bauer brings shifting layers to the part of the Queen's maiden Constance; as the villainous Rochefort, Jordan Davis is perfectly cocky; and Gerald Thomson is commanding in the small part of General Treville, the former leader of the Musketeers. Brian Matic and assistants Fernando Perez and Jaren Navenma are to be commended for choreographing the action-packed fight sequences, which include many varied combat modes, from sword fighting to gun play and even hand to hand. One memorable sequence is between the tiny Aramis and one of the very large and evil Berserkers. The script by Luke Gomez, Brian Maticic, McBurney, Steven Cleveland, Kayla Kermode, and John Rose is cohesive, which is impressive, considering the number of writers. Brian Maticic also created the unit set which is composed of concrete blocks, platforms, and wooden stairs. While it is stagnant it is also extremely multi-functional. Fernando Perez's lighting is quite good, and when combined with the set, helps evoke the apocalyptic setting in shadows and varying degrees of light. Melissa Kamel'a costumes have a futuristic vibe while also helping to immediately clarify each character's place in the community of New Phoenix. Magadan's sound design includes heavy rock music during battle scenes as well as street noises and other ambient sound effects that combine with the other creative elements to realistically bring New Phoenix to life. There have been dozens, possibly hundreds, of adaptations of Dumas' story. With a high body count, well defined characters, and dialogue that crackles with realism and wit, Brelby's adaptation is a fine, new, and updated addition. Add in a very good cast, sharp direction, and some intense fight sequences and you have a splendid futuristic retelling of this classic tale. The Brelby Theatre Company production of Beyond Musketeers: Utopia Lost runs through August 1st, 2015, with performances at 6835 N 58th Avenue in Glendale. Tickets are available at www.brelby.com or by phone at (623) 282-2781 Written by the 2015 Brelby Writers Circle: Luke Gomez, Brian Maticic, Carolyn McBurney, Steven Cleveland, Kayla Kermode and John Rose Director/Fight Choreographer: Brian Maticic Cast:
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