Millstone Township Middle School goes gangster

A chorus line of Millstone Township Middle School students during a performance of "Bugsy Malone." The gang rivalry in the Millstone Township Middle School has ended, and students have learned that friendship is the best means to increase power.

After the final performances this past weekend, the curtain has gone down on the school's production of "Bugsy Malone." The 1976 musical is very loosely based on events in Chicago during the Prohibition era - specifically, the exploits of gangsters and their molls.

A cast of 85 and a crew of about 15 middle school students wrapped up the six-month project, having learned more about acting, the inner workings of the theater and friendship.

Andrew Millin, 14, who played the role of Fizzy, explained that the musical centered around Fat Sam's Grand Slam speakeasy - a place where alcoholic beverages were illegally sold - and an ongoing gang battle between Fat Sam, played by Tom Russo, and Dandy Dan, played by Colin Kochenash.

Colin, 13, said, "I think I'm everything [while] fighting against Fat Sam, but in the end we become friends and everything works out."

PHOTOSBY MIGUEL JUAREZ staff Millstone Township students performed "Bugsy Malone" for township seniors in the Millstone Township Elementary School on March 22. Fat Sam recruits Bugsy Malone into his gang, who is the title character. Portrayed by Mark Anthony Ferre, Bugsy needs money and soon takes a romantic interest in Blousey Brown, who is bound for Hollywood. Brown is played by Sarah Faber.

With the money Bugsy earns from Sam, he promises to take Blousey to Hollywood. However, Bugsy is later mugged and Blousey starts to worry when Bugsy begins flirting with Tallulah, played by Veronica Miller, who is Fat Sam's girlfriend.

The gang rivalry peaked with a shoot-out during which the kids used machine guns loaded with Silly String. Instead of hurting each other, though, Fat Sam and Dandy Dan ultimately decided to bury the hatchet while Bugsy and Blousey took off for Hollywood.

Andrew said the most important lesson learned from the story is that in the end, friendship is the ultimate advantage in that it "can easily double your powers."

Gabrielle San Nicola, 11, who played a dancer in the show, said the experience was great for everyone because not only did they get to learn about a different time period in the 1920s, but they also had the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

Middle school teachers Patricia Prevosti, Christine Schutz, Danielle Welch and Robert Robinson all helped students put the production together.

Prevosti said, "I'm very proud of them. They're very dedicated, and they love what they're doing.

"It's obvious," she added, "because they are very enthusiastic."

- Jennifer Kohlhepp