From March 20 to March 22, Branson theater premiered its spring play, “All for One,” chosen by the Advanced Acting class. The play, inspired by “The Three Musketeers,” showcased thrilling sword fighting that kept the audience lively and energetic. 

Alexandre Dumas originally wrote “Les Trois Mousquetaires” in 1844, which described the adventures of a fierce and daring real-life musketeer, Charle de Batz de Castelmore, Comte d’Artagnan. Over time this novel became a world classic that was adapted to many mediums, translated into a variety of languages and that inspired a candy bar.

Maura Vaughn, the director of theater, chose an adapted version of “The Three Musketeers” with a fresher perspective. The original male musketeers — Athos, Porthos and Aramis — became replaced by female characters — Athena, Portia and Artemis.

“In the original play, obviously, there were big [male] musketeers, but [here] you see the women version,” said Eyla Bauer ‘25, who played Portia.

Stage manager Mira Sridharan ‘26 said, “[Vaughn] continued to add lines and cut scenes from the original script based on rehearsal processes … and to make it fit for the girls.” 

In order to stage dynamic fight scenes that energized the audience, Branson hired Danielle O’Dea, a fight choreographer to prepare and train the cast in sword fighting.

“I hope the audience enjoyed all of the sword fighting,” said Adeline Newby ‘26, who played Constance Bonacieux. “It was something that we had never done before … and it was really cool to use real swords.”

Bauer added: “[O’Dea] was really great. I thought it would be a disaster, but she really whipped us into shape.”

Overall, the cast had an incredible time preparing for their roles. 

“There’s a lot of fun physicality elements … I get to interact with the audience and then I also just really enjoy my character,” Newby said.

Julia Bouligny ‘25, who played Artemis, said, “Honestly the best part is the rehearsals. I love everyone in the cast and it’s fun to just hang out with them regardless if we are rehearsing or it’s the actual show.”

“You gotta put the work into it and everyone gives each other tips,” Bauer said. “As you go along with the show you get more comfortable with it … and it’s a really fun community, how well we all work together.”