Goldman and Grossman's Tom Jones Musical Gets NYC Reading with Henshall, Larsen and Moses | Playbill

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News Goldman and Grossman's Tom Jones Musical Gets NYC Reading with Henshall, Larsen and Moses The late James Goldman's musical adaptation of Henry Fielding's 18th-century novel, "Tom Jones," resurfaces in a private Manhattan reading April 27.
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Ruthie Henshall Photo by Aubrey Reuben

The musical, titled The Celebrated Heroic Scandalous Misadventures of Tom Jones, has music by Larry Grossman (Minnie's Boys, A Doll's Life, Goodtime Charley), additional lyrics by Alison Hubbard (the Rodgers Award-winning Little Women) and additional book by Bobby Goldman. It was the last project penned by the playwright who gave us Follies and The Lion in Winter. Goldman died in 1998. He is credited with the show's book and lyrics. Performing the characters from the tale, considered one of the great comic masterpieces of English literature, are David Larsen (as Tom), Burke Moses, Ruthie Henshall, Carole Shelley, Nancy Opel, Nick Wyman, Diane Davis, Don Stephenson, Jeff Binder, Jayne Paterson, Marissa McGowan, John Christopher Jones, MacIntyre Dixon, Tom Robbins, Kilty Reidy and Fred Inkley.

Gordon Greenberg is directing and David Holcenberg is music directing.

The reading anticipates a production at a major regional theatre in the next year, Playbill.com has learned.

The 1749 English novel focuses on foundling Tom Jones and his exploits — and the influence of his guardian, Squire Allworthy. Poor Tom has trouble saying no to women. Albert Finney played the role in a famous film version.

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The 18th century novel has inspired a number of 20th- and 21st-century musical comedy versions, including one by Paul Leigh and Mary Poppins composer George Stiles, seen in the New York Musical Theatre Festival.

Goldman's version was seen in a 2001 reading, and was also explored by Roundabout Theatre Company in a 1999 reading. The composer Bryan Louiselle, who contributed songs to Off-Broadway's Adult Entertainment, has also written a Tom Jones musical.

 
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