Heights High School's 'Bugsy Malone' Promises Fun, Laughs

Take a trip back to the roaring 1920s with the cast and crew of the Hasbrouck Heights High School musical who will bring the silly and fun comedy "Bugsy Malone" to the stage this week.

Once again drama teacher Erin Schneeweiss directs this musical production which will be performed for the community Thursday and Friday this week.

The cast for this show includes about 60 students, a large group for a high school production, and about two dozen members in the stage crew, says Schneeweiss. Many of the students who were once in stage crew on previous productions are now performing in the play, she says.

The story of Bugsy Malone revolves around two rival gangs always trying to outdo each other, says Schneeweiss. The show is Rated G where everyone who dies is killed by silly string and lots of it, and they are brought back to life, in some cases several times, explains Schneeweiss.

The whole idea of this show is fun, says Schneeweiss, who explains it's all done in cartoon-like style with lots of brights colors in the costumes and props.

Jose Ordonez plays the main character of Bugsy Malone, a boxing promoter who is asked to do a favor for one of the gangs in hopes of making some money to make his dreams come true, she explained.

Meredith Stroud plays the role of Blousey Brown, the love interest of Bugsy Malone. Jon Diaz plays Fat Sam, the leader of one of the gangs, Connor DiCorcia plays Dandy Dan and Samantha Sproviero plays Tullela, the lead singer at Fat Sam's night club, says Schneeweiss.

The show will be performed Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the high school auditorium. Tickets cost $7 for students and $8 for adults.