Comedy classic in one act
Whitefish High School drama students are performing the play "Tom Jones" tonight at 7:30 pm in the school gymnasium.
This comedy by Charlotte Brown, set in the l7th- century, is based on Henry Fielding's classic 1917 novel "The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling."
Although all major events of the story have been incorporated into a one-act piece, the flamboyant, skylarking spirit of this comic masterpiece is all here.
The action is narrated by Mr. Partridge (played by Gatlin Hardy), the schoolmaster, surgeon and barber who also comes in and out of the story.
The tale begins with Squire Allworthy (Daniel Holland) coming home to find a baby in his bed. This foundling, whom he named Tom Jones (Zak Sky King) grows up as a ward of the Squire, alongside Allworthy's nephew, Blifil. Mr. Blifil (Trevor Bennett) is a greedy young ffellow who is not too fond of Tom's popularity with the ladies.
Meanwhile, Tom has fallen in love with his neighbor, Sophia Western (Samantha Mysel); however, Sophia's father (Tyler Snipes) has decided that she must marry Blifil, whom she despises. After being insulted and fighting with both Blifil and his servant (Austin Troiano), Tom is banished by the Squire. Unbeknownst to Tom, and accompanied by Honour, her lady-in-waiting (LeAnn Books), Sophia has resolved to leave her father's house and follow Tom to London. Pursuing all of them are Sophia's Aunt, Miss Western (Emily Butz) and Mr. Western.
On their travels, they all meet up with some unusual characters, including: The Highwayman (Riley Workman), a would-be robber with a distinct lack of talent for carrying out his criminal activities; a feisty innkeeper (Anna Helander); the rich and beautiful Lady Bellaston (Noelle Niles); and Harriet Fitzpatrick, a lady on the run from her husband (Loie Russell-Templeton).
After an unusual introduction to Mrs. Waters (Annie Rottenbiller) and their later rendezvous at the Upton Inn, Tom is attacked by Mr. Fitzpatrick (Brandon Karschnik), the raving wild Irishman in pursuit of his wife, and a sword fight ensues. In the crazy final scene, all are present in the courtroom, presided over by Justice Dowling (Brian Cain), and all secrets are revealed.
The production is directed by Leslie Thomas, Whitefish High School drama coach, with Abigail MacLaren as assistant coach, Liz Sykora as student assistant director, and crew members Erik Swanson on lights, Jenna Smith on sound, Danielle Rogers as propmaster, and Hailey Graf and Emily Jones as the stage crew.
Tickets for the evening performance are $3 or $5 per couple.