All-children’s musical Bugsy Malone will be a treat for all ages
FOR Jan Mahoney, directing the children’s musical Bugsy Malone is something she has always wanted to do after seeing the movie version.
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What: Bugsy Malone staged by Hills Musical Theatre
Where: Model Farms High School Auditorium
When: Friday May 27 & June 2, Saturday May 28 & June 3
Timings: Fridays 7.30pm; Saturdays 1pm, 7.30pm.
Tickets: Adults $35/$30 concession/$25 children
Details: 0420 608 110
FOR Jan Mahoney, directing the children’s musical Bugsy Malone is something she has always wanted to do after seeing the movie version.
Mahoney, who has 35 years of theatre experience under her belt in Melbourne and Sydney, said there is much to love about the musical version, being staged by Hills Musical Theatre from this Friday.
“I loved the movie when it came out, many years ago, with a very young Scott Baio and Jodie Foster in two of the main roles,” Mahoney said.
“When it was released as a musical for community theatre, we had to wait quite some time for it to be released here in Australia.
“I have wanted to direct this show for a long time, and as soon as the rights were made available I applied to direct it.
“This is the first time the Hills Musical Theatre Company is producing an all children’s production.”
Jeremy Barons is in the lead role while Abbey Thomas takes on the role of Blousey Brown in this chaotic, gangster, fun-filled musical staged at Model Farms High School.
The show also features talented singer Bethany Marfleet as Tallulah.
Mahoney says it is challenging handling the 45-member cast aged between 10-15 years but find it very rewarding because it could be the starting point for some to forge a career in the industry.
“Having an all children’s show is very challenging ... some have been on stage many times, other are having this experience for the very first time,” Mahoney said.
“As a director you need to be aware at all times of each person’s abilities and nurture them all to improve on where they are experience wise.
“The script is very funny and also exceedingly challenging to stage.
“A show that was originally written for film will always present challenges when you reduce it to fit on the stage.
“I think we have come up with a highly entertaining and polished production, that an audience of any age will enjoy.
“It is a very affordable and fun night out, and I am exceedingly proud of the level of professionalism our cast have reached.
“The music is bright and upbeat and the 1920s gangster era that the show is set in is lots of fun for the cast and will be for the audience too.
“We have whole families involved in this show, which is something rare and wonderful to watch, and an absolute army of back stage people supporting the kids on stage.
“This is community theatre at its best, and I thoroughly enjoy being a part of it.”
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