Pint-sized gangsters wield silly string as their weapons of choice in Danville Light Opera’s youth musical “Bugsy Malone Jr.” The production opens July 20.

The cast of 35 pays tribute to the 1920s gangster flick, a genre most didn’t know much about before rehearsals began. That doesn’t stop them from belting out a song and swaggering around the stage in ways that would make any gangster or his moll proud.

Based on the 1976 movie starring Scott Baio and Jodie Foster, the show’s message focuses on making peace, not war, even within the confines of a New York speakeasy.

The score by Paul Williams, who composed the music for “The Muppet Movie,” gives the young performers a chance to show off their singing and dancing abilities

Although Peighton Perkins makes her stage debut in “Bugsy Malone Jr.,” the 8-year-old was a hit at auditions. She sings rhythm and blues, Latin and gospel music and performed two songs for her audition.

“She was very dramatic,” her mother, Zeda Perkins, said.

Like others in the show’s chorus, Peighton plays multiple roles.

“I’m a waitress, a singer and I pretend to play the piano,” she said. “I’m having so much fun. I want to do another play after this one.”

Her mother said, “This is a really cute show. I watch the rehearsals, and it’s still really fun each time.”

Perkins helped with costumes, which include fedoras and newsboy caps, as well as boas, flapper dresses and pinstriped suits.

For one young performer, the tie he wears with his white shirt and dark gangster’s suit presented a challenge. Fortunately, help for Josh Cassen in the form of his dad, Jerry, was nearby.

Like many cast members, 9-year-old Josh has theatrical experience. He appeared in both a Red Mask Players children’s show and last year’s DLO youth musical.

“I play lots of parts in this one,” he said. “I’m a magician, a gangster, a maitre d’ and a poor person.

“There’s a lot of funny moments in this show, and I really like the songs.”

Another veteran performer, fifth-grader Bailey Williams, thinks parents will find the show has a good moral for their children.

“It’s about honesty and friendship,” Williams said. “Plus there’s audience participation. Everyone should have fun.”

Joyce Bruett directed “Bugsy,” her first show for DLO.

“We have cast members from second grade through high school,” she said. “Everyone who auditioned was given a part.”



IF YOU GO

Danville Light Opera will present “Bugsy Malone Jr.” at 7 p.m. July 20 and 21 and 2 p.m. July 22 at St. James United Methodist Church. All seats are $5. Tickets are available at Blue Kangaroo Books, BC Collectibles in the Village Mall and at the door.