Tom Jones is no Don Juan.
The ladies are the ones chasing this good looking, friendly lad. But when led into temptation, Tom strays and eventually finds himself tangled in more than the sheets.
The comedy “Tom Jones” has opened at Northlight Theatre in Skokie. It is a thoroughly entertaining production, with William Brown skillfully directing Jon Jory’s adaptation of Henry Fielding’s 1729 novel.
Sam Ashdown plays the title character in his Northlight debut. He is a delightful fellow who remains an innocent despite his racy romps. He has fallen deeply in love with a respectable girl, Sophia Western, played with dramatic flair by the lovely Nora Fiffer. But his past and current escapades break her heart and his pleas for forgiveness seem hopeless, until…
There’s no point in giving away the whole story, though be assured it leaves you grinning. The production itself is a marvel, with a two tiered wooden stage and nine players seamlessly assuming 24 roles. In addition to Tom and Sophia, standouts include Sophia’s father, the massive Squire Western, who is portrayed with gusto by Jim Lister, and Molly Glynn, who is cast as the Landlady, as well as the first and the last of Tom’s amours, the lusty scullery maid Molly and the worldly Lady Bellaston.
A comical pair of Scotsmen sparkles in this already lively production. Eric Parks plays Mr. Fitzpatrick, who is pursuing his runaway wife, and Marcus Truschinski is Maclachlan—their antics are reminiscent of a Monty Python show. Christina Panfilio and Melanie Keller turn up as numerous female characters, flighty or otherwise, and Chris Amos is singularly slippery as Blifil, the man Sophia’s father wants her to marry.
The 18th century-style costumes are glorious, one lovelier than the next, with Lady Bellaston’s aubergine gown the finest of all. Kudos to fight director Tyler Rich. The adroit swordplay is frightening, yet no accidents occurred, at least not at the January 24 performance.
A wild curtain call wraps up the tale. As Ashdown takes his bow, the voice of 20th century singer Tom Jones blasts out with his hit “It’s Not Unusual.” The four women in the cast squeal like groupies and rush to surround the lucky fellow.
He’s a darling, that Tom Jones!
Northlight‘s production of “Tom Jones” runs Tuesdays to Sundays through February 23 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets are $25 to $75. Call 847-673-6300 or visit Northlight’s website.
