`MUSKETEERS' BRING DASH TO PARK PLAYS.

Byline: P. Catherine Shanks Community Columnist

Classics in the Park presents a new adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas classic ``The Three Musketeers,'' opening this Saturday in the Thousand Oaks Arts Council Center courtyard.

Director Michael Jordan adapted the Dumas story for the Classics in the Park Company and cast himself in the role of Richelieu. Director, dramatist and right-hand man to French King Louis XIII, Jordan claimed at least two additional credits in connection with the play.

``I have to wear a wig as Richelieu, so people won't confuse me with the Cardinal in the other act,'' said Jordan, referring to an ancillary role he plays when Richelieu is not seen onstage.

He said doubling up on roles is necessary, given the large number of soldiers in the show.

``The Cardinal's guard keep losing, so we have to keep replacing them,'' laughed Jordan. The director said his major uncredited role in the production is installing the set prior to each performance.

The swashbuckling drama and carefully choreographed swordplay undoubtedly will satisfy fencing fans, even if recently slain characters are found wielding weapons in later scenes. A six-on-four fight sequence will set the tone for an ongoing flourish of steel.

More than a sword fight, however, ``The Three Musketeers'' is a story of political intrigue, corruption and the quest for power. The story mixes noble motives with the baser realities of everyday living in the 1625 French court of Louis XIII.

Even true love is tainted. Pamela Canton portrays Constance - lady in waiting to Queen Anne and the woman with whom D'Artagnan becomes enamored.

``I'm the ingenue plot device,'' laughed Canton, who said that romance was something that happened outside of the court and outside of the arranged marriages of the day. As Constance, Canton has forgotten her marriage vows and has succumbed to the charismatic charms of the roguish D'Artagnan.

Flynn Bradley stepped outside of his role as D'Artagnan to put the plot more succinctly. ``Hey

'' said Bradley, ``He gets the girl.''

Jordan said that unlike many classic plays, the Dumas story is based on real events and real people.

``Most people don't realize there's a lot of depth to the story,'' he said. ``There are so many interesting characters in history, you don't have to invent them.''

Walt Lawson plays the dashing Duke of Buckingham, who saves the day on more than one occasion. He risks life and limb to protect all that is noble.

``Buckingham has a thing for the Queen,'' said Lawson, who said he most enjoys the fencing scenes and his interaction with the treacherous Lady de Winter.

``D'Artagnan just wants to serve the Queen,'' said Vivian Latham who portrays Queen Anne. Latham reflected on the self-absorbed character of the monarch she portrays. ``The Queen is a pivotal role,'' she said. ``For her, it's all about her diamonds.''

Of course no play about the Musketeers is complete without the bawdy and outrageous Athos, Porthos and Aramis.

The vagabond company of players plans to tour ``The Three Musketeers'' through parks and plazas throughout the month of July and into early August. Following the premiere performance, the mobile troupe will appear on the outdoor stage at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and at Rancho Simi Park. Other performances are set for Calabasas at the Grape Arbour and in Creekside Park.

Elaborate costuming and beautiful outdoor venues lend an air of realism to the ``Musketeers'' saga. Playgoers should be advised that lawn seating only is available at certain locations.

For more information regarding Classics in the Park or specific performances of ``The Three Musketeers,'' call the Arts Council Center at [phone].

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Photo

PHOTO Swordsmen face off in the Classics in the Park Company's production of the classic story of ``The Three Musketeers.''

John McCoy/Daily News