LAKEPORT — “Tom Jones,” on the stage this weekend at the Lake County Fairgrounds” Little Theatre, is a particularly entertaining collaboration between Lake County Theatre Company and Mendocino College ? Lake Center. Supporters of local theater will want to include it in their itinerary.
The fast-paced play tells the story of Tom Jones (Martin Squier) who is disgraced in the eyes of his benefactor Squire Allworthy (Rod Levenduski) through the scheming of Allworthy”s heir and nephew Blifel (Tim Fischer). Tom loves the beautiful Sophia (Laura Ewing) but her father (David Carr) and her aunt (Suna Flores) are determined that marrying Sophia to Blifel is a far more advantageous match.
It”s impossible to single out just a few contributors who are worthy of note, because that distinction is equally applicable to everyone involved in this performance.
The play features a large cast and production crew who bring the population of 1700s England to life. Their efforts are a credit to Henry Fielding, author of the 1749 novel upon which this play is based.
The performance is the culmination of a theater class that was taught by Carol Dobusch. This partnership between Mendocino College ? Lake Center and Lake County Theatre Company enables students to learn various aspects of live theater.
Showtimes for the second weekend of “Tom Jones” are at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Little Theatre. Tickets are $12 for reserved and $10 for general seating. Admission will be $2 less for seniors, children and LCTC members.
Reserved and general tickets are available at Catfish Books in Lakeport, 263-4454. General seating tickets are available at Griffin Furniture in Clearlake, 994-2112. For more information about the production of “Tom Jones,” call 279-2595.
LCTC will next hold auditions for its upcoming performance of “Rocky Horror Show,” 7 to 9 p.m. June 15 and 17 at the Lake County Arts Council”s Main Street Gallery and from noon to approximately 5 p.m. June 19 at Burns Valley Elementary School, 3620 Pine St. in Clearlake. Performances will take place from Oct. 22 to 24, Oct. 29 to 31 and Nov. 5 to 7 at the fairgrounds” Little Theatre. For more information, contact Tim Barnes at 972-5787.
