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.

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS

(plus Chorus)

  • Tom Jones - A foundling
  • Sophia - Squire Western's daughter
  • Squire Western - a "fine Old English Gentleman"
  • Lady Bellaston - A Lady of Quality
  • Honour - Maid to Sophia
  • Mr Allworthy - A Somersetshire Magistrate
  • Blifil - his Nephew
  • Benjamin Partridge - a Village Barber

THE SCENES

  • Act 1 - The Lawn at Squire Western's
  • Act 2 - The Inn at Upton
  • Act 3 - Raleigh Gardens

MUSICAL NUMBERS

  1. Don't You Find the Weather Charming? - Chorus
  2. On A January Morning - Squire Western, Chorus
  3. West Country Lad - Tom, Chorus
  4. Today My Spinet - Sophia
  5. Wisdom Says "Festina Lente" - Sophia, Honour and Tom
  6. The Barley Mow - Ensemble (Honour & Gregory, with Betty, Peggy, Dobbin and Grizzle)
  7. Here's A Paradox For Lovers - Madrigal - Sophia, Honour, Tom, Allworthy
  8. Benjamin Partridge, a person of parts - Partridge
  9. Dream 0' Day Jill - Sophia
  10. By Night and Day - Sophia
  11. Gurt Uncle Jan Tappit - Gregory
  12. As All the Maids and I - Honour
  13. The Beggarman - Concerted Number - Honour, Hostess, Gregory & Partridge and Chorus
  14. Laughing Trio - You Have a Pretty Wit - Honour, Partridge and Gregory
  15. A Soldier's Scarlet Coat - Tom, Chorus
  16. Love Maketh The Heart a Garden Fair - Sophia
  17. All For A Green Ribbon - Honour and Male Chorus
  18. If Love's Content - Tom
  19. Beguile, Beguile With Music Sweet - Sophia
  20. Waltz Song: 'For Tonight, For Tonight' (Sophia)
  21. Trio - Says A Well Worn Saw - Honour, Partridge and Gregory

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