Musicals are pretty tough to do well, it seems. Often, directors bite off more than they can chew; casting people who can sing, dance, and act is more difficult than you’d think, and typically shows like THIS IS TOM JONES are expensive to produce.
Human Race Theatre Company in Dayton, Ohio, pulled off every aspect of this brand-new work with precision and excellence. Mark Brown has written a hilarious show, with bawdy double entendre, clever references, and side-splitting characters, all inspired and drawn from the novel, “Tom Jones” by Henry Fielding from all the way back in 1749. Brown, along with Paul Mirkovich, then added new songs with a 1960s British Pop flavor to juxtapose the very old story with a vibe that the Boomers who mostly populated the theatre today would totally relate to. And it actually works!
Of course, a show like this needs all the elements to come together for it to be good. Director Emily N. Wells keeps the action moving, the jokes mostly tight, and the overall atmosphere of the show consistent throughout. Music Director Steve Goers (playing live with a live band) guides the cast in excellent vocal technique, clear diction, and provides energy throughout the two-and-a-half-hour production.
That cast is stellar, with some familiar faces mixed with some fresh performers. Apart from the engaging and charismatic Kyle Mangold, who plays the title character, each actor takes on a few roles in the ensemble - with great gusto and humor. Of course, costumer Janet G. Powell should be credited with assisting us in distinguishing who’s who, and her gorgeous work is some of the best I’ve seen lately. Even without the costume changes, though, the cast (with what one would assume is the careful eye of Director Wells) does a nice job of providing depth to each comedic part so that one can easily follow the action.
Tamara L. Honesty’s set is functional and fun to look at, with some nice surprises built in to allow for quick exits, entrances, and appearances. That, combined with John Rensel’s deft lighting design, focuses the eye where it needs to be for effective storytelling. There were some sound balance issues yet to be worked out, but once my ears adjusted, I could make out almost every word being spoken or sung.
The ensemble of actors, which I mentioned above, is superb, with standout performances from Kelly Menglkoch, Sara Mackie, Patrick Phillips, Edwin Large, EB Madson, Aleah Vassell, Melinda Porto, and Jamie Cordes. Mackie and Madson were exceptionally funny, with each eagerly and rightfully chewing up the scenery when their characters needed to.
I think anyone who enjoys new works, solid storytelling, literary adaptations, sixties-era music and dance, or physical, raunchy comedy would enjoy this production. I know the man in the row in front of me sure did - he was nearly on the floor throughout the show. I had as good of a time watching him enjoy the show as anything.
THIS IS TOM JONES runs through September 24th at the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Tickets and more information can be found here.