Bugsy Malone

As the show opened, we witnessed a gangland fight with splurge guns which resulted in dead bodies lying all over the place! Welcome to the world of Bugsy Malone! This was the time of mobsters, molls, guns, and speakeasies! I was amazed to learn that this large cast of youngsters on stage ranged from 9-13 years of age and, believe me, watching them go through their dancing, singing and acting roles, whether as a soloist or a member of the company, was a privilege! Each and every young person on that stage was full of energy and exuberance. In the name role was Ross Brownlow making a very convincing Bugsy, all suave and assured, as he tried to befriend girl friend, Blousey, and carry out orders for mob boss Fat Sam, played by a strong and confident Neave Macfarlane, literally showing who was boss on stage! Fat Sam’s Public Enemy No.1 was the aptly named Dandy Dan, played by Nathan Browne, looking extremely dapper and sophisticated in his role as the crime boss trying to increase his gangland power. Blousey Brown, a rejected singer, but friend of Bugsy, who was trying to get her to Hollywood to become a star, was brilliantly performed and acted by Fern Duncan. For one so young, she had a lovely strong singing voice heard with great delight in her “I’m Feeling Fine” solo. Another female with a very fine voice was Eve Cameron, playing the sensuous Tallulah, girl friend of mobster Fat Sam. Her “My Name Is Tallulah” solo came over in a very fine style. Others playing their heart out were Fizzy (Piper Uribe), Captain Smolsky (Elena Peebles), Lt. O’Dreary (Cameron Bell); then there were Tallulah’s girl dancing ensemble; and the various members of Fat Sam’s and Dandy Dan’s gangs. The full company was at their best in “Fat Sam’s Grand Slam” and the boxing sequence “Wanna Be A Boxer”.  And . . . I bet this young cast thoroughly enjoyed the show’s finale when it erupted into a splurge gun and cream pie fight!  Whether you were nine or ninety, you would enjoy this show – either as one of the youngsters on stage or a 90-year-old watching it!

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