Summer Theatre Camp performs Bugsy Malone, Jr.

MARSHFIELD – The Music Theatre International Education Production “Bugsy Malone Jr.” will be performed by Summer Theatre Camp students at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, August 16-17, and at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, in the Helen Laird Theatre at UW-Marshfield/Wood County, 2000 W. 5th St., Marshfield. 

The production and theatre camp is presented by the UW-Marshfield/Wood County Office of Continuing Education.  It is sponsored by The Laird Endowment Fund for the Arts, Prairie Run Dental and the Marshfield Area Community Foundation.

"The students are incredibly talented and energetic,” said Jeannie Pitsch, director and Continuing Education program assistant.  “The students helped with almost everything – set building, costuming, hair/makeup, lighting and sound.  And, of course, they act, sing and dance.  It has really been a wonderful experience for them and me.”

Bugsy Malone Jr. is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the 1920s gangster flicks. The story follows Fat Sam, who runs one of the most popular clubs in town and who is in danger of being closed down by his "business rival" Dandy Dan, until baby-faced Bugsy Malone, a killer with the ladies and a definite asset to Fat Sam, arrives. Unfortunately, Bugsy has also caught the eye of Sam's girlfriend Tallulah – though he's set his designs on showgirl Blousey Brown.  The special “junior” version of the musical includes a child’s dream come true: a non-violent gang war fought with "splurge blasters."

Starting in mid July, the Helen Connor Laird Fine Arts Building has been echoing with the song and dance of the production.  About 35 campers, ages 10-16, are involved in the production. Among the lead roles is Amanda Armbruster, 13, daughter of Mike and Karen Armbruster, Marshfield. She plays Tallulah, Fat Sam’s girlfriend and a performer at Fat Sam’s Grand Slam Speakeasy.  It’s her first time on the Summer Theatre Camp stage.

“I’ve learned a lot,” Armbruster said. “I’m really enjoying the whole experience.  A lot of my friends are in it, so that makes it a lot of fun.”

She likened her character, Tallulah, to Mae West.

“(Tallulah) thinks a lot of herself.  She’s very confident and assertive.  It’s really a fun role to play.”

Tony Nichols, 12, son of Keith and Judy Nichols, Marshfield, is returning to the Summer Theatre Camp stage as Dandy Dan the gang leader.  Nichols was a narrator in last year’s Summer Theatre Camp production of Disney’s “Aladdin, Jr.”

“I love being able to use the cool splurge guns!” Nichols said. “And I get to sing ‘That’s Why They Call Him Dandy.’  The directors are so great!  They really make the whole production a lot of fun.”

Music Director Donna Thompson and Choreographer Kristi Kubs said the students are working very hard to learn the 11 musical numbers in the production.

“Some of the pieces are very challenging, I’m very pleased with the students’ talent and willingness to stretch themselves musically,” Thompson said. “They’ve really come a long way in less than a month.”

Tickets for Bugsy Malone Jr. are $8. The Campus Box Office is open 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performances.  To order tickets, call 715-389-6534.  VISA, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. All seating is reserved.  Tickets are non-refundable.