Tom Jones
Last Update 05-Mar-2008
From 12 June 2000
To 17 June 2000
Joan Macalpine
adapted from the novel Henry Fielding
The projected end of season spectacular, the musical Cabaret, a
joint production between the Nonentities and Kidderminster Operatic Society,
has been replaced by another co-production winner, Tom Jones by
Joan Macalpine, based on the world famous novel by Henry Fielding.
Tom Jones is, of course, the well known tale of a young man with a good heart and a healthy appetite for sex trying to find his way through life, the doubts about his parentage, and the legions of willing females wanting to bed him to a hopeful happy marriage with his beloved, Sophia Western.
It was made into a memorable BBC adaptation in 1998 and is a classic
story from our English heritage which shows the vigour of life and the
evils of the town compared to the country paradise. Combining the talents
of Kidderminster's leading amateur groups, this co-production of racy eighteenth
century life should make for a memorable evening of delights and a high
powered inclusion in Wyre Forest Arts Millennium celebrations. Everyone
loves a riotous romp and here's one that will take place live before ones
very eyes - complete with big wigs!
Directors Notes
Highlights of seasons at the old Playhouse were often the joint society musical productions given by members of the Nonentities and Kidderminster Amateur Operatic Society. For our millennium season we had hoped to revive the tradition with a presentation of Cabaret, but unfortunately were not able to proceed. Tom Jones is therefore a substitute, but one that we hope will be a thoroughly satisfying and very enjoyable way in which to celebrate the first NONKODS production, and to bring the season to a close.The show is rich, ripe and bawdy. It keeps successfully to the spirit of the novel, but gives it a sparkle and irreverence that is wholly contemporary. It is the kind of big show which complements the resources of the two Societies and we hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed preparing.
Press Release
PANORAMA OF LIFE!
The Nonentities team up with members of Kidderrminster Operatic and Dramatic Society for the final show of The Rose's highly successful millennium season and promise a colourful, larger than life cast for the rich and expansive story that comprises the plot of Tom Jones. This is the fast-moving play version of one of England's most endearing novels by Henry Fielding in which eight hundred pages of novel have been telescoped into a standard evening's entertainment at the theatre of two and a half hours.Tom Jones was actually held responsiible for two earthquake shocks in London in 1749 when it was first published and now the roistering, knock-about story is set to rock Kidderminster!
However, the energetic plot is only part of the attraction of this sensational show: a multi-level set, exquisite costumes and voluminous wigs are also promised; but these will serve as mere embellishments to the diverse assortment of rogues and flirts, ruffians and fools, that people this play. Cheeky Molly will give you the Wink; Sophia will bewitch you with her grace and purity; Squire Western will bluster into your heart; and, of course, take solace at the goodness of Allworthy. But beware of angry Irishman Fitzpatrick while also avoiding the snares of the devious Blifil as you try to keep tabs on Jenny Jones and Mrs Waters and the mystery of Tom Jones's parentage. This will be an evening full of possibilities and teeming with intriguing personalities.