With effortless humor and animated physicality, Belmont University’s cast of “Tom Jones” captivated the audience in their opening night performance at the Troutt Theater.
“Tom Jones” brings the 1749 play “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling” by Henry Fielding to life.
It follows the story of a young man Jones, played by Belmont’s Logan Plowman, who is born not knowing who his parents are.
He's instead raised by the melodramatic Squire Allworthy, played by Conner Boggs.
In a chaotic two hours, Jones falls in love with Sophia Western, played by Alix Brown.
A journey of arranged marriage, fleeing to London, not-so-talented criminals in the woods, seduction and sword fighting ensues.
The charismatic and witty narrator Partridge, played by John Walters Smith, guides the audience through each act.
His interactions with the crowd and other actors created a compelling and riveting experience for audience members.
To keep the audience engaged during set changes, Partridge would shout at the servants — “You there, take these things away!” — and adjust the placement of furniture to his liking, making the audience laugh.
The show was full of quips that left the audience anticipating what would be said next.
The cast immersed the audience through physical acting, like galloping on their horses in a circle around the theater.
A comedic moment that stood out was a scene in the woods where the lowly Highwayman, played by Jay Diestelkamp, starts out by chasing and trying to steal from Christina Allison’s Mrs. Waters.
After failing at being a criminal, he ends up begging for mercy from Miss Western, played by Maddi Patoto, who he thinks is trying to steal from him.
Acts I and II conclude with a lengthy series of split-screen scenes that take place in an inn.
Almost every character finds themselves in this inn and just barely misses the person they are seeking out.
Despite this setting spanning about 30 minutes, the scenes’ fast place and hilarious characters make it feel like the blink of an eye.
The hysterical and so-over-her-job inn keeper Mrs. Whitefield, played by Nora Jones, is a highlight in this scene.
Act III is action-packed until the end.
It features the seductive cousin Lady Bellaston, played by Laura Walker, a sword fight between Jones and Mr. Fitzpatrick, played by Michael Shelley, a declaration of undying love between Sophia and Jones, a fake marriage proposal, a criminal trial and a wedding.
The intense and comedic sword fight between Jones and Fitzpatrick is the climax of Act III.
It begins with Jones confidently winking at the audience and later features two slow motion segments that had the audience laughing and applauding.
Plowman and Shelley duel dramatically while the townspeople and Partridge cheer and gasp in slow motion.
The physical acting here is impressive, hilarious and exemplified by the spot-on slow-motion fist bump from a townsperson played by Nicholas Galenkamp.
The play ends in a good old fashion happily ever after when Sophia’s father, played by Finn McGinnis, gives his blessing for her to marry Jones.
The two wed after his trial.
The set design, lighting and music choices add as much to the show as the acting and humor, creating a cinematic and colorful ambiance.
The Belmont University Department of Theatre and Dance created a lengthy, yet energetic show that leaves audience members with a giddy feeling as they exit the theater.
More showings of Tom Jones take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Troutt Theater.
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This article was written by Abby Thomas.
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