VPA takes to stage with children's musical production

Rake your fedora and slap on your spats. Valley Performing Arts is proud to present the children's musical production of the pie-flinging, pinstriped-wearing, pint-sized classic "Bugsy Malone, Jr," in a revised, shaped-down and fast-paced adaptation of the hit movie.

Take a bite out of the Big Apple with the candy-coated hero, Bugsy Malone, as his band of miniature mobsters, gun molls and chorines take you on a classy, no-holds-barred comedy caper.

In association with Matanuska-Susitna Education Association, Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, Lucas Chiropractic, Professional Colorgraphics and Q99.7 FM, VPA's production of "Bugsy Malone, Jr." opens March 29 and runs for three weekends through April 14. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. The Easter Sunday matinee has been shifted to April 6 at 2 p.m.

Based on the movie, "Bugsy Malone," which starred Scott Baio and Jodie Foster, this stage version features an abridged story and songfest. However, all the quirky characters and bouncy songs are back, just as you remember them. With a book by Alan Parker and music and lyrics by Paul Williams, composer of such songs as "Evergreen" and "The Rainbow Connection," this funny satire is a send-up of the gangster flicks of the 1930s.

Little mobsters, sporting pinstriped suits, tote pie plates and custard-spewing splurge guns. While Bugsy tries to go straight, Dandy Dan's gang tries to take over Fat Sam's turf, including the ever-popular speakeasy, Fat Sam's Grand Slam. Bugsy is sucked into the cycle of shenanigans when he falls hard for an out-of-work singer, Blousey Brown. Even Sam's girl, Tallulah, can't derail Bugsy and Blousey's budding romance. But before Bugsy can win Blousey's heart, he has to come to Sam's rescue by recruiting the Down and Outs for the final showdown. As in all good musical comedies, sanity reigns supreme.

Williams has written a delightfully hummable score for this musical, featuring such honky-tonk songs as "Fat Sam's Grand Slam," "My Name is Tallulah," "Down and Out," "Bad Guys" and the title song. For moodiness, listen for the lingering ballads "Tomorrow" and "I'm Feeling Fine."

Stepping into the title role of Bugsy Malone is Corey Cundiff. His compatriot in crime, Fat Sam, is played by Mark Hermon. Their arch rival, Dandy Dan, is played by Levi Foster. The women in Bugsy's life are Blousey Brown, played by Rachele Foster, and Tallulah, played by Kaela Larson.

Two young ladies get featured singing roles during the play. Lindsay Windel, as Fizzy, sings "Tomorrow," and Sydney Clifton, as Lena, sings "Show Business."

Rounding out the cast in various parts are Angela Myrvold, Ashley Kangas, Branden Anastasio, Carlee Nufer, Cory Snellenberg, Courtney Wojtacha, Curtis Weber, Denali Kagel, Emily Rupnik, Eric Hendricks, Erica Van Somerin, Erin Brooker, Erin Downey, Fiona Guiley, Griffin Johnson, Jacob Simon, Jamie Downey, Kierstyn Hollibaugh, Kimberly Paylor, Kody Cuthbert, Korie Russell, Lacy Sedovic, Lara Weber, Laura Anderson, Lincoln Larson, Madelin Siedler, Marty Foster, Melanie Stickle, Rachel Hoffinan, Ray Hajduk, Sarah Hendricks, Sherry Scott, Tessa Butts, and Travis Heintzman.

Director Tim Gillard has recruited an outstanding design team to bring this gangland escapade to the stage. Joining him as musical director is Nancy Guiley. Stepping up as choreographer is VPA veteran Sharon Peak. Assisting him as assistant director is longtime VPA veteran Annie Nelson. The scenic artistry of Rod Mehrtens will once again be made manifest on the VPA stage. The costume designer is Jacquelyn Rupnik. Shady alleys and bright city lights will be lit by another VPA veteran, Steve Cuthbert. Properties are managed by Kelly Larson and Kimberly Hollibaugh.

Tickets for "Bugsy Malone, Jr." are $12 for adults and $9 for youth and seniors. They are available at all CARRS TIX outlets or by calling 1-800-478-7328.