 TOM JONES
Music by Edward German; Lyrics by Chas. H. Taylor. Libretto by Alex.
M. Thompson and Robert Courtneidge, based on the novel by Henry Fielding
Apollo Theatre, London - 17 April, 1907
Astor Theatre, Broadway - 11 November, 1907 (55 perfs)
THE STORY
(Early 18th century England)
While Tom Jones, an orphan of unknown birth, is convalescing at the home
of Squire Western, he falls in love with Sophia. The Squire, however,
insists that his daughter must marry the odious Blifil, the rich nephew
of Mr Allworthy, in whose family Tom has been brought up. Sophia detests
Blifil and is in tears. When Blifil discovers Tom comforting her, he insults
Tom, who knocks him down. Tom and Sophia run away, separately. Sophia
and her maid, Honour, are pursued by Squire Western and Blifil By chance,
they all put up at the same inn at which Tom Jones is spending the night,
unaware they are under the same roof. Sophia's worldly friend, Lady Bellaston,
is also staying at the inn; after being attacked by a highwayman she has
been rescued by Tom. She is greatly attracted to Tom and lets the inn
servants think that he is her husband.
When the village barber, Benjamin
Partridge, is called to the inn to alleviate Squire Western's gout, he
hears the name 'Tom Jones'. Apparently, he knows the true story of Tom's
birth. Before he can reveal all, however, Western bursts in upon Tom and
Lady Bellaston. Sophia jumping to the conclusion that Tom is fickle, wants
nothing more to do with him and leaves for London. Tom accepts Lady Bellaston's
offer of a lift to London in her coach. The Squire also rushes off to
London to consent to the marriage between Sophia and Tom; by now, he has
heard that Tom is not a penniless orphan but Blifil's elder brother. Sophia
has great social success in London under Lady Bellaston's patronage. One
day, Tom catches sight of her and summons up courage to explain everything
to Sophia's satisfaction and the young lovers are reunited.
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MUSICAL NUMBERS
- Don't You Find the Weather Charming? - Chorus
- On A January Morning - Squire Western, Chorus
- West Country Lad - Tom, Chorus
- Today My Spinet - Sophia
- Wisdom Says "Festina Lente" - Sophia, Honour and Tom
- The Barley Mow - Ensemble (Honour & Gregory, with Betty,
Peggy, Dobbin and Grizzle)
- Here's A Paradox For Lovers - Madrigal - Sophia, Honour, Tom,
Allworthy
- Benjamin Partridge, a person of parts - Partridge
- Dream 0' Day Jill - Sophia
- By Night and Day - Sophia
- Gurt Uncle Jan Tappit - Gregory
- As All the Maids and I - Honour
- The Beggarman - Concerted Number - Honour, Hostess, Gregory &
Partridge and Chorus
- Laughing Trio - You Have a Pretty Wit - Honour, Partridge and
Gregory
- A Soldier's Scarlet Coat - Tom, Chorus
- Love Maketh The Heart a Garden Fair - Sophia
- All For A Green Ribbon - Honour and Male Chorus
- If Love's Content - Tom
- Beguile, Beguile With Music Sweet - Sophia
- Waltz Song: 'For Tonight, For Tonight' (Sophia)
- Trio - Says A Well Worn Saw - Honour, Partridge and Gregory
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INSTRUMENTATION
(Total number of books = 16)
2 Violins I, 1 Violin II, 1 Viola, 1 Cello, 1 Double Bass, 1 Oboe,
1 Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Horns I/II, 1 Cornets I/II, 1 Drums, 1 Harp,
1 Conductor Score - annotated vocal score
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