Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal From left, Cameron Shirey rehearses with Monica Ricketts, Brynn Garrett and Heather Canfield at the Brewery Arts Center on Tuesday night. "Bugsy Malone Jr.", featuring the BAC Stage Kids, will open Friday.
Harken back to streets of New York City in 1930. The Great Depression has begun, and the city is being run by two groups of hoodlums in the midst of a full-scale war.
The only difference? No guns in this war, only splurge blasters, which cover the victims with silly string that makes them statues.
In the midst of the war, Bugsy Malone, a man with known hoodlum affiliations meets Blousey Brown, a small-town girl who just moved to the city.
Now add songs, and you have the BAC Stage Kids' latest endeavor, "Bugsy Malone Jr." beginning Friday at the Donald W. Reynolds Theatre at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.
The musical is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the 1920s gangster flicks and includes cast members ranging in age from 6 to 16.
"It's a real fun show with a lot of female characters, and we have a lot of female talent so it works well," said Chris Willson, BAC program director.
Cameron Shirey plays Bugsy, Melody Ricketts and BAC newcomer Hayley Pederson have been double cast as Blousey.
"Blousey's a lot like me. She's very sarcastic," said Melody, 11. "I love being on stage, performing and singing."
While he said he isn't a fan of singing parts, Cameron couldn't pass up the chance to play a gangster.
"He's just a stud, but he's not hard to portray. He's kind of goofy, which isn't hard for me to do," said Cameron, 16. "It's just pretty cool to get to stand up and be someone else on stage."
Both said that having previous experience in theater helped them prepare for their roles.
Cameron played Aladdin earlier this year in "Disney's Aladdin Jr." Melody performed as the Child in Carson Performing Arts production of "Seussical, the Musical." This is Hayley's first production with BAC Stage Kids.
"I'm amazed by the talent and energy of 'Bugsy's' cast," said John Procaccini, executive director of the Brewery Arts Center. "These kids are so fun and full of spirit, audiences won't be able to stop themselves from laughing and cheering."
After Friday's opening night, performances continue with 7 p.m. shows Saturday, Sunday and Jan. 26, 27 and 28; and at 2 p.m. shows Saturday and Sunday and Jan. 27 and 28.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for BAC members, seniors, students, and children. Children 3 and under are free if seated on a lap.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
If You Go
What: "Bugsy Malone Jr." by the BAC Stage Kids
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Jan. 26, 27 and 28; and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Jan. 27 and 28
WHERE: Donald W. Reynolds Theatre at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.
PRICE: $8 for adults and $5 for BAC members, seniors, students, and children. Children 3 and under are free if seated on a lap.
Call: 883-1976 or go online at www.breweryarts.org
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