theatre review - BEYOND MUSKETEERS: UTOPIA LOST - Brelby Theatre Company - July 22, 2015

Cody Goulder, David Magadan, Mia Pasarella, and Anabel Olguin
Photo: Brelby Theatre Company

Click here for more information on this production that runs through July 26th.

"...Beyond Musketeers: Utopia Lost is a reimagined and updated adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic tale "The Three Musketeers." This version, the end result of Brelby Theatre Company's 2015 Writers Circle, resets the story in a dystopian future. The kick-ass production is full of witty dialogue and almost nonstop, well executed fight scenes, with a talented cast and smart writing that paints each character as a distinct individual with a vibrant personality....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."...the action-packed fight sequences...include many varied combat modes, from sword fighting to gun play and even hand to hand. ...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. "-Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)