Act One - France, 1625

Prologue - D’Artagnan’s House – Gascony, Late Summer

(Song 1 : Prologue)  We begin with D’Artagnan in childhood and then snap to young man as live action begins. D’Artagnan’s father speaks of those ethics that he must retain to carry him through life and help realise his dream. He leaves Gascony bound for Paris armed only with a letter of recommendation from his father in search of this dream to become a Musketeer

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Song 2

Gascon Heart D'Artagnan play >

Scene 1 – Outside Jolly Miller Inn – Paris

D’Artagnan is thrown out of the Inn. He is in a fight and is outnumbered. The landlord’s daughter Madamoiselle Bonacieux who is lady in waiting to the Queen Mother, takes pity on him and tends his wounds. Bonacieux questions D’Artagnan’s stubbornness. There is a hint of attraction. She pledges to set up the meeting with the Captain of the Musketeers. D’Artagnan tells her of his burning ambition to become a Musketeer and his determination not to fail.

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Scene 2 - Later inside the Jolly Miller Inn – Paris

Song 3

Musketeers D'Artagnan, Musketeers & Chorus play >

The inn is in full swing as Musketeers sing, dance and relax. Ladies enjoy much light hearted banter with the handsome Musketeers and all is bawdy and merry. D'Artagnan is summoned in to meet the Captain of the Musketeers, Monsieur De Treville.

(Song 4 : Musketeers (reprise) - Athos, Porthos, Aramis & Musketeers.)

Upon leaving his audience with De Treville, D’Artagnan clashes independently with Athos & Porthos and duels with both are arranged.

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Scene 3 - Paris Streets

D’Artagnan leaves the Inn and whilst walking has time for reflection over his hastiness. He vows to be more of a gentleman in honour of the Musketeers.  (Song 5 : Pull Yourself Together - D'Artagnan.)  As D’Artagnan continues his reflective walk, he comes across Aramis and vows to be courteous. This immediately backfires and another duel is arranged.

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Song 6

Guilty Anne of Austria

Scene 4 – Royal Palace – Paris

Anne of Austria is writing a letter to her English lover The Duke of Buckingham, warning him not to return to France. This letter is passed to Bonacieux who agrees to take it in confidence to his agent in Paris. We learn of Anne’s despair and the impending war with England. She speaks of intense guilt and makes reference to a deeper secret that is shared only with her son concerning a secret son imprisoned at the Bastille who is twin brother to the Young King.

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Scene 5 – House of Porthos – Paris

Song 7

You are Mine Mme Coquenard & Porthos

Porthos is dressing in preparation for the duel with D’Artagnan. His fervent admirer Madame Coquenard is enthusiastically fussing to the frustration of Porthos!

 

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Song 8

Live a Dream D’Artagnan, Aramis, Porthos & Athos

Scene 6 - Deserted spot behind the Carmalite Convent – Paris

  The three duels are soon to be fought outside the Carmelite Convent. As the Musketeers each arrive it is soon obvious that they are all about to duel D’Artagnan. However, before the first duel can begin, the Cardinal’s men arrive, lead by Jussac, and the Musketeers are outnumbered. D'Artagnan offers to fight with them. They accept reluctantly as he is so young, but go on to win the following fight with D’Artagnan proving his swordsmanship. D'Artagnan is now welcomed as a new friend.

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Scene 7- The King’s Apartments, Royal Palace - Paris

Song 9

Guilty (reprise) Anne of Austria

Monsieur de Treville and the Young King Louis are in discussion over the earlier events outside the Convent. King Louis is secretly pleased with the Musketeers but cannot show it. He pledges to chastise his men. Anne is present and her heartfelt guilt over the secret brother is discussed upon de Treville’s exit. The young King demonstrates no mercy or compassion to his kin. Anne is clearly in fear of her son’s power.

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Scene 8 - Paris Streets at night

Jussac & Mme. Bonacieux

(Song 10 - Two Heads of State - Chorus) Citizens of Paris gather to argue over the rivalry between the King and the Cardinal. Bonacieux is hurriedly taking Anne’s letter to Buckingham’s agent. Jussac and the Cardinal’s men accost her. Jussac is clearly drunk and still reeling from the earlier defeat at the hands of the Musketeers. Jussac steals the letter as he attempts to molest her. By chance D’Artagnan rounds the corner on the way back home. D’Artagnan frightens them all off, fighting and easily beating Jussac who is renowned as the finest swordsman in France. Bonacieux is visibly shaken and another moment of tenderness is shared between the two as their love for one another is established. (Song 11 - Silence My Heart – Madamoiselle Bonacieux & D’Artagnan.)

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Scene 9 - Royal Palace, Paris

(Song 12 – D’Artagnan! – Chorus) News of D’Artagnan’s bravery reaches court. He is a new hero.

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Scene 10 - Palace Throne Room, Royal Palace, Paris

Song 13

All 4 One The Company play >

The King is privately triumphant as the Cardinal has been humiliated. However, he demands the presence of the protagonists. A meeting is called for the following day.

In a rare and unexpected display of appreciation the King appoints D'Artagnan as a Musketeer and puts him under the care of Aramis, Athos & Porthos. Scene freezes. The lone figure of Philippe is lit downstage. He questions his identity.

 

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Pictures courtesy of CAODS

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