It's not unusual that I love this show!

Well, in the week after Plane Crazy closed at NYMF I had the opportunity to see a bunch of Festival shows. Some I liked, and some...not so much.

But there was one that really stood out -- Tom Jones (music by George Stiles, book and lyrics by Paul Leigh in collaboration with Daniel D. Brambilla and Vera Guerin, based on a concept by John Doyle and based on the novel by Henry Fielding).

Tom Jones played at Theatre at St. Clement's 423 W. 46th Street in New York, a nice large space.

I had gone to see this show mostly because the music was written by George Stiles, who wrote the music to Honk! and the extra songs in Mary Poppins. I really like his work, and I was not disappointed. From the first phrase of the opening number "Behold", my ear was hooked! I could definitely hear fleeting strains of Mary Poppins in the number "Something of the Lady".

They started the show with a cell phone announcement (in a British accent of course) and then announced 'Ladies and gentlemen...Tom Jones'. The audience then heard the opening strains of the other Tom Jones "It's Not Unusual". Funny, but a bit of a cheap laugh, and certainly not necessary. There was lots of laughter and applause for the work itself.

As a plus, when we went to our seats we received a free CD. Not a rough demo, but a full up CD recording of the North Shore Musical Theatre production. Talk about added value. Even now, listening to "Sir!" on the car stereo, I still chuckle to myself.

Tom Jones had fabulous, over the top costumes and very, very minimal sets. Director Gabriel Barre definitely had fun with the piece, and therefore so did the audience. The show had a larger-than-life feel, which I think suited the material perfectly. I loved the use of "sound effects". The characters on stage would be propless, but two actors off to the sides would be creating appropriate sound effects (doors closing, tea cups being stirred, etc.) which was delightful!

David Ayers as Tom Jones was perfect -- handsome, lanky, with a wonderful voice and devil may care "catch as catch can" attitude. I also loved Jeremy Webb as Blifil and his transformation in character was matched by his transformation in hair! However, the entire cast was top notch with countless Broadway credits amongst the bunch.

Apparently this public domain piece is very popular musical theater fodder...there are 165 versions! This one is definitely worth seeing again!

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