Tom Jones—a writer who has fashioned American musical history—presents a memorable rendition of his own music when he leads superb guest singers in a special revue at the William Inge Theatre Festival’s Gala Dinner.

The Gala Dinner is one of the most popular events with local Inge Festival patrons. It takes place Friday, April 23, at the Independence Civic Center. Cocktails are at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Following the gourmet meal, Tom Jones heads up the entertainment. He is the creator, along with writing partner Harvey Schmidt, of The Fantasticks. It is the longest-running musical in history. Additional cherished Jones and Schmidt musicals are 110 in the Shade, Celebration, and I Do! I Do!

The Gala musical revue is titled "Time Goes By: A Few Amusing Songs about Aging and Death," a tongue-in-cheek look at the cycle of life. Several Broadway and professional stage singers will appear with Jones, who himself is an accomplished musical theater actor.

Jones was the 2009 Inge Festival Honoree. He and his wife, actress Janet Watson, so enjoyed their visit to Independence last year that they wanted to return. Inge Festival guests and the community at large embraced them warmly and will be able to celebrate their talents at the Gala Dinner.

The Gala Dinner is a fund raiser for the William Inge Festival Foundation.

Reservations for the Gala Dinner and Musical Revue must be made by April 9. They can be made online at www.ingecenter.org or by calling (800) 842-6063 ext. 5491 or direct at (620) 332-5491.