BAWDING `TOM JONES' BUSTS CLASSIC MYTH (PLAY REVIEW)

Early in the stage version of "Tom Jones," Patridge, a supporting character as well as the play's narrator, says, "A knowledge of the classics improves the meaner soul."

Exposure, then, to Jackson High School's spring production of "Tom Jones," presented on Friday and Saturday evening, can only improve the souls of its audience, for the play is based on one of the true classics of English literature, Henry Fielding's 1749 novel, "Tom Jones."

There is, unfortunately, a misconception among many that any work tagged as a classic is bound to be stuffy, tedious and long, something to be avoided at all costs and all times.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The drama club's production of "Tom Jones" is nothing short of a delightful and rousing romp through a world that our narrator Patridge describes quite correctly as "wicked, bawdy, licentious."

And played, as it is, for laughs by the members of the drama club, it is far removed from the stereotypical dry classic, at times seeming more like the Marx Brothers in knickers with occasional nods to Monty Python's Flying Circus. Nudge, nudge.

The show is a lot of fun.

Then again, so is the novel on which it is based, perhaps silencing those skeptics who are wary of anything deemed a classic.

The play tells of Tom Jones, a foundling, one who Patridge describes as "an amiable rogue."

Jones, the ward of Squire Allworthy, is deeply in love with Sophia Western, and she with him. But Sophia's father has arranged for her to marry the Squire's sneaky nephew and heir, young Blifil.

When Jones' love for Sophia is discovered, he is banished from the rural county because he is "base born" and therefore unsuitable for the noble Sophia.

"I go now to London to sink into oblivion," Jones says as he leaves the country estate on which he was raised.

Sophia, accompanied by her maid Honour, sets out for London to find Jones. She is followed by her father, her aunt, Blifil and scores of others.

A scene in a roadside inn is one of the most enjoyable in the production, with actors going in and out of bedroom doors like characters in an old-time movie.

The title role of Tom Jones is played by Mark Sickles. Sickles, a somewhat gangly young man, does not possess the physical type that is generally seen in romantic heroes. But his physical type is misleading.

There is a twinkle in Sickles' eye and a sense of the comedic that make him fitting for the role. Sophia describes Jones as one who seems almost noble when he smiles. Sickles has the right smile to seem noble.

Jeni Zinner, who aptly plays Sophia, brings the right measure of naivete to the role.

But the show belongs as much to the large supporting cast -- too numerous to mention -- as it does to the two romantic leads. A few of the supporting actors stand out.

Blifil -- a man whose name Jones almost vomits out when he says it -- is played with slimy snobbishness by Nick Murphy.

Andrew Luehrs plays Squire Allworthy, the upper class twit, as appropriately goofy. His "death bed" scene is a hoot.

Jon Starzinger portrays Mr. Western, Sophia's father, as a bombastic boob who tears across the stage with bullish stupidity. His sister, Miss Western, is played with the proper priggishness by Lynn Casteel.

Cabell Gathman has an amusing scene as an inept highwayman trying in vain to rob the great parade of characters on their way to London.

Beth Lefebvre as Honour and Molly Bishop as the conniving Lady Bellaston are charming.

But perhaps the best comedic moments in the play belong to Amanda Webb as the love-starved Mrs. Waters and Josh Zinner as Fitzpatrick, the hot-headed Irishman with the bellowing brogue. They are simply fun to watch.

Even the eight "servants," who say nothing but mumble occasionally, seem to enjoy their main job -- schlepping scenery on and off stage.

At the end of the play, Partridge admonishes the audience, saying that the play was "surely worth your attention for an evening."

Surely it is.

The play will be performed at the Jackson High School auditorium Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00. Tickets are $3 in advance or $4 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at Jackson High School.