BWW Reviews: Sam Bass Takes Gangsters from Gruff to Goofy with BUGSY MALONE

If there's any lesson to be learned from the slapstick musical Bugsy Malone, now playing at Sam Bass Community Theatre, it's that gangsters are adorable. Who knew? Armed with some silly string guns and custard pies, Bugsy Malone softens the gangster genre to cute, sweet, and fun family entertainment.

The musical, based on the 1976 musical film of the same name, diminishes the violence and law-breaking of the main characters considerably. Bugsy Malone isn't portrayed as a gangster, and those that are come off less threatening than the gangsters in Guys & Dolls. Though a show about organized crime may not have "kid friendly" written all over it, this one does, despite the name and subject matter.

The children in the audience our bound to gravitate towards the cartoony, slapstick comedy and the many moments in which someone gets sprayed with silly string or takes a pie in the face. The 33 person cast, entirely made up of kids and teens, is absolutely loveable, and the leads are all strong youth performers. Diego Longoria clearly has some fun with the edgy, street smart Bugsy Malone. Logan Vohs is entertaining as the neurotic Fat Sam, a speakeasy owner and mob boss. Felix Ferris is perfect as the evil Dandy Dan, and it's obvious that he loves the scenery-chewing role. As Tallulah, the lounge singer in Fat Sam's club, Kelly Hamilton is fantastic and gets to show off her strong singing voice and her winning personality.

While mobster movies and musicals may not typically be child friendly fare, Bugsy Malone is a notable exception to the rule. Organized crime never looked so fun.

Running time: 55 minutes with no intermission.

Top Photo: Kelly Hamilton (L) as Tallulah and Diego Longoria (R) as Bugsy Malone. Photo by Henry Huey.

Bottom Photo: Felix Ferris (Center) as Dandy Dan and the cast of BUGSY MALONE. Photo by Henry Huey.

BUGSY MALONE, JR. plays Sam Bass Community Theatre at 600 N. Lee St, Round Rock, 78664, now thru August 17th. Performances are Thursday thru Saturday at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $10-$18. For tickets and more information, please visit www.sambasstheatre.org

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