“The Three Musketeers,” based on the novel and trilogy by Alexandre Dumas and adapted for the stage by Mercedian Micah Chandler, begins its two-weekend run at the Playhouse Merced mainstage at 7:30 p.m. April 4.

“The Three Musketeers,” recounts the adventures of a young man named d'Artagnan after he leaves home to travel to Paris, to join the Musketeers of the Guard. D'Artagnan is not one of the musketeers; those are his friends Athos, Porthos and Aramis, inseparable friends who live by the motto "all for one, one for all.”

 Playhouse Merced’s production of “The Three Musketeers” is directed by Chandler, and stars Ethan Hennes as d’Artagnan, Chris Battisti as Aramis, Kenny Pernett as Athos, Trevor Blondin as Porthos, Haley Paulissian as Constance and Melissa Beckwith as Milady.

 The Playhouse Merced production of “The Three Musketeers” is not a verbatim copy of the book. Chandler says he wasn’t interested in telling the story word for word, but rather, capturing the essence and spirit of Dumas’ novel.

“The Three Musketeers” opens April 4, and plays two weekends through April 13. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are: adults $22; seniors $20; students $12; and children $10.

Purchase tickets by calling 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 West Main Street in downtown Merced, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesday through Saturday. The show is rated “G.”