Wellesley Theatre Project Brings Gangster Tales to Life

WELLESLEY, MA - The Wellesley Theatre Project will perform two musicals based on kid-friendly gangster stories next week.

The troupe will perform "Bugsy Malone, Jr." and "Guys and Dolls" Wednesday, May 11 through Saturday, May 14 at the Ellsworth Theater at Pine Manor College.

"Bugsy Malone, Jr." is based off of the 1976 movie starring Scott Baio and Jodie Foster. Two gangs made up entirely of children face off in a 1920's-style rivalry after one crew obtains the coveted "splurge gun," a weapon that shoots marshmallows. Former boxer Bugsy Malone gets caught up in the middle of the turf war, despite his attempts to stay out of trouble and spend time with the love of his life, Blousey. "Bugsy Malone, Jr." will be presented by two separate casts from WTP’s Elementary Production Class. Performances are May 11 at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., May 12 at 5:30 p.m., May 13 at at 5:30 p.m., and May 14 at noon and 2:30 p.m.

"Guys and Dolls," the classic musical set in New York in 1934, tells the story of gambler Nathan Detroit as he tries to scrape together the dough to set up the largest craps game in the city. Meanwhile he faces pressure from the cops and his girlfriend, Adelaide, who wants to get married after 14 years of being engaged. Strapped for cash, he enlists the help of fellow gambler Sky Masterson, who has his eye on the straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown. "Guys and Dolls" is presented by WTP’s 6th-12th grade Production Class and will be performed May 12 at 7:30 p.m., May 13 at 7:30 p.m., and May 14 at 5 p.m.

The Wellesley Theatre Project is an arts academy and nonprofit dedicated to providing students in grades Pre-K to 12 with the opportunity to study and experience theatre and performing arts through year round classes, staged productions, workshops and summer camps.

The production classes features three casts of 75 students between the ages of seven to 18 and began rehearsals in January.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online at www.wellesleytheatreproject.org. They will also be sold at the door for $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

Photo courtesy of the Wellesley Theatre Project