Tom Sawyer is a saucy boy, a natural show-off, who takes great pleasure in missing school, going fishing, and getting others to do his chores. Mark Twain’s beloved character and his friends are being brought to life in the CTG’s Family Season production of Tom Sawyer. This charming play presents all the chief adventures of Tom and his friends including the famous white-washing, the school-room episodes, the graveyard experience, the pirate adventure with Huckleberry Finn and their friend Joe Harper, and the return to their own funeral at the village church. Also included are the trial of poor Muff Potter, the finding and losing of treasure, the getting lost in MacDougall’s Cave, and the village rejoicing at their rescue.
These boys like going barefoot, playing hooky and just generally vexing their elders. Tom and his brother Sid live with their Aunt Polly who is not always sure how to deal with this carefree young spirit who never ceases to have adventures. Tom Sawyer brings back the miracle that is childhood in a time when life was harder but fun was more innocent. This musical adaptation will be fun for the whole family and will bring back a time in our history that children only learn about in history books.
Under the direction of Jeff Johnson, the cast includes Liam Johnson as Tom Sawyer, Curtis Crawford as Huckleberry Finn and Jill Young as Tom’s young love, Becky Thatcher. Tom’s younger brother, Sid is played by Jackson Dow, Sam Hafermalz is Joe Harper, and Matthew Villar is Alfred. The adults include Laura Fetzer as Aunt Polly, Joe Miele as Injun Joe, and Rod Shreckengost as Muff Potter. Rounding out the cast are Luke Crawford as Nathaniel, Abby Day as Gracie, Riley Flynn as Susan, Aidan Johnson as Jim, Halle Kortlander as Janie, Tanner Miele as Zachary, Mason Purece as Ben and Avery Schroeder as Amy. Joe Aboulafia plays Doc Robinson, John Fortman is the Preacher, Kristi Johnson is Mrs. Harper and Jim Robinson is the Sheriff.
Tom Sawyer runs from April 3 through May 1, with 2 p.m. matinees every Saturday, and Sunday evening twilight performances at 6:30 p.m. on April 11 and 26, and one Sunday matinee on April 18.
Birthday parties are encouraged so just call the box office for details. Tickets are $10, $12 and $15 and are available through the CTG Box Office 661-799-2702. The Canyon Theatre Guild is located at 24242 Main Street in Old Town Newhall.