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THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER

a play by Lee Shackleford

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Ethan Feigel and Tobie Windham in the first production of Lee Shackleford's adaptation of TOM SAWYER

Mark Twain's genius glimmers through every page of his novel TOM SAWYER, and I was determined to preserve as much of his personality and love of language as I could when I took on the challenge of adapting the book for the stage. There are plenty of TOM SAWYER adaptations, of course (it's been made into films ten times, and stage plays maybe ten times that many), but I wanted to try to get at its heart with this version -- Tom's reckless spirit of adventure, his passion for excitement.

This version was a big hit on the road for Theatre UAB's touring group "Bookends," bringing in more fan mail than anything else the company had ever attempted. Perhaps the highest praise came from the director of Birmingham Children's Theatre, who saw one performance and immediately booked the show as the flagship of that theatre's 60th Anniversary Season.

HUCK
Where you been, Tom? Nearly midnight now!
TOM
Not always a simple thing, getting out of Aunt Polly’s house. But I’m out now, and I ain’t a-goin’ back. If you still aim to run off for good, then Huck, I’m with ye.
HUCK
By hokey, Tom, that’s fine! We’ll be on our way first thing t’morra. But are you fer sure? Turning your back on this town and never ever comin’ back?
TOM
I’m set on it.
HUCK
Tho’t there was folks you’d hate to leave. You said so.
TOM
I did say it. But they was women, Huck, and I’ve learnt a terrible lesson. Women don’t make sense -- not a one of `em.
HUCK
Shucks, Tom -- I coulda told you that.
TOM
I was sad about this for a while -- real sad. Started thinking that maybe these folks here in the graveyard are the ones who’ve got it worked out. All quiet here and peaceful, with that wind a-whispering through the trees ... nothing more to bother and grieve about. There’s just one part of being buried here I wouldn’t like.
HUCK
What’s that?
TOM
Well, first you gotta be dead. Don’t care so much for the being-dead part.


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