Frostburg State University Theatre Presents “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain is the classic coming of age tale of a curious and whimsical boy named Tom Sawyer. The Frostburg State University Department of Theatre and Dance will be putting on an adaption of this story written by Laura Eason.

The show will be directed by Mairzy Yost-Rushton and star Austin Jacobs as Tom Sawyer. On the weekend of Feb. 28, the show opened in the FSU Performing Arts Center. Performances are also scheduled for March 6,7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Students have been hard at work on this production all semester, as auditions were held January 28, 2014. Director Mairzy Yost-Rushton has been hard at work on this play for much longer than that, however.

These performances have months and months of preparation behind them, as the play was read innumerable times, decisions were made regarding the approach and style of the play, the staff was finalized, auditions were held, rehearsal schedules were created, and much, much more.

When asked why she picked this particular story, Yost-Rushton replied, “I love the story.” She also wanted to put on a show that middle school and high school students could enjoy, as many of the previous productions have been aimed at younger children.

This script provides a story that is very funny, yet scary with some high tension scenes. The play is especially good for secondary students to see as it “addresses the issue of right and wrong,” Yost-Rushton said.

Yost-Rushton also said, “The audience has the opportunity to watch Tom make some truly tough decisions.”

On Friday, Feb. 28, a special performance of the show will be held for Bishop Walsh school, and on Wednesday, March 5, various middle schools from Allegany County will have the opportunity to view the play.

Adults will find the show enjoyable as well. It is a very fun plot, with all of the major plot happenings of the classical novel condensed into very short scenes.

“All of the choice bits are still there,” said Yost- Rushton. “The white washing the fence, the runaway, the getting stuck in the cave.”

The plot lends itself to the use of imagination, as the set is stark. The set is very fluid, with main points being a bench, a fence, and a rolling platform.  This minimalism allows the cast (and the audience) to go to the make-believe place that Tom often goes.

Actor Austin Jacobs (Tom Sawyer) carries the show. In addition to Jacobs, the cast also includes Cody Gilliam (Joe Harper) and an accomplice, Shahzeb Hussain (Doc Robinson). Also, starring are Eric Brown (Huckleberry Finn), Eric O’Neal (Sid Sawyer), Defense Lawyer Sara Danley (Becky Thatcher), CJ Barnett (Muff Potter), Josh Mooney (Master Dobins), Pippin Herlinger (Injun Joe), Carinna Lewis (Aunt Polly), Maureen Groff (Widow Douglas), as well as Erienne McEldowney and Melani Finney as ensemble.

The show runs about an hour and a half, and follows Sawyer as he gets himself in hot water and leaps before he looks. The show promises to be funny, yet thought provoking. Tickets are $6 for students and $12 for the general public.