By Mark Ambrogi

Jeb Burris has long been enamored with “The Three Musketeers.”

“I have been in love with this story since I was a kid,” Burris said. “There was always something that drew me to it. It was definitely the sword play, but also the lessons that story teaches us. Obviously, the book is much longer and the play is a sort of highlight reel of the book in a really specific, unique way.”

Burris, 33, will appear as D’Artagnan in the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of the classic play from Sept. 20 to Oct. 15.

“D’Artagnan has such a huge journey in the play and in this adaptation, specifically, which is always so fun and and challenging,” Burris said. “We see a youthful, eager, optimistic boy arrive from the country at the beginning of the play. By the end we see a young man who has known what it is to love and have lost that love. He knows what it means to take a life. He understands responsibility more than he ever had before.”

Burris said one of the great things about D’Artagnan’s journey is the people he meets along the way.

“Every one person changes him, I believe, for the better,” Burris said. “The musketeers are certainly at the forefront of that. I am very fortunate to have a group of amazing actors and wonderful human beings in Ryan (Artzberger), Nathan (Hosner) and David (Folsom), that play Athos, Aramis and Porthos, that it makes it so easy for me. They create such a fun atmosphere and camaraderie that is contagious and naturally makes me want to be a part of it.”

Burris has similar praise from Amanda Catania, who plays Constance.

This is Burris’ first play at IRT. Burris lives in Spring Green, Wis, where his wife Melisa Pereyra is a Core Acting Company Member at American Players Theatre. Burris, originally from Dayton, Ohio, got his bachelor’s degree in acting from Ball State and master’s from Illinois State.

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