Casting Call for Boys and Girls for "Bugsy Malone" Stage Play

Bugsy Malone is the hero of our story. Cast a handsome young man who can sing and act. This role is equal parts Jimmy Stewart, James Bond and Gene Kelly. Bugsy alternates as the narrator and the star of the show. A young performer comfortable in front of an audience, who radiates a sense of charm and sincerity as well as a street-wise sensibility. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: C#4

Blousey is at first the typical young, wide-eyed, would-be star, just off the bus from a small town. However, we find out that Blousey is a force to be reckoned with and certainly nobody's fool. This is a large role that requires good singing and acting, an actor who is at home with comedy. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: E4

Fat Sam is the baddest of the bad guys whose biggest rival is Dandy Dan. Fat Sam should be an adept physical comedian with a commanding stage presence. Sam sings, so must carry a tune; but moreover, an experienced actor with good projection and diction skills is important. Fat Sam carries much of the dialogue of the show. Note that Fat Sam does not need to be fat. Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: G4

Tallulah is the classic gangster's moll. A young woman who is self-confident and can deliver the role with deadpan sincerity and droll appeal, similar to Jody Foster portrayed. Tallulah is a Mae West type with a talent for performing. She needs to be a strong singer for her self-titled number. Vocal range top: B4 Vocal range bottom: B3

Dandy Dan is the unflappably stylish, debonair underworld businessman who outwits Fat Sam every step of the way. Dan should be comfortable singing his song, "That's Why They Call Him Dandy." Dan has just the right sense of style and grace. Vocal range top: C#5 Vocal range bottom: G3

Fizzy is an employee of Fat Sam s at the Grand Slam, whose duties involve cleaning up the place. This actor can really deliver the song, Tomorrow. It is a difficult song that requires emotional singing and a significant range. This singer can deliver Fizzy's sad-eyed hopes and dreams as he sweeps up. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: C4

Fat Sam's Gang includes Roxy Robinson, Angelo, Snake Eyes, Ritzy, Shake Down Louis, and Sam's right hand man, Knuckles. These fellows are bumbling, funny, non-threatening hoodlums. They should be able to sing with gusto (if not on tune) and be willing to work on the rigors of physical comedy. Many productions have successfully cast girls in these roles. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: C4

Dandy's gang members are really bad guys. Also known as The Hoods, they sing a little, but they splurge a lot! Suave-looking types who can pull off slicked-back hair and double-breasted suits. Many productions have successfully cast girls in these roles. The Hoods include: Bronx Charlie, Benny Lee, Yonkers, Laughing Boy and Doodle. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: G3

Lena Marelli is the star of the Lena Marelli Show!, and she lets everyone know it. A young performer who can TAKE OVER THE STAGE with a strong singing voice. An affected character voice is practically a requirement to deliver this role. Lena is not very bright, but she is very loud. Think Lina Lamont from Singin' In The Rain. Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A4

The Tallulah's Girls perform at the speakeasy, and they include Tillie, Loretta, Dotty and Bangles. These girls should be very at home singing and dancing and should work well as ensemble singers. They are basically Tallulah's gang! Bangles has the most dialogue of these girls, and should be a strong actor. Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: B3

Oscar De Velt is the stage equivalent of Cecil B. Demille. A strong, confident actor will fit the bill here. Marbini the Magician and the Ventriloquist are two wonderfully funny smaller roles in the audition scene with Oscar De Velt. Both of them are convinced they are world famous. The Opera Singer and the other bits in this scene are all great cameos.

The Down and Outs are representative of out-of-work Depression era men and women of the soup kitchens, which include the Cooks serving in the kitchens. The Down and Outs are ready for a cause and helping Bugsy bring peace between Fat Sam and Dandy Dan is just what the doctor ordered. Additional ensemble roles in this scene include the Priest, Clipboard Willy and two Delivery Guys. If you have a smaller cast, you can use the splurged from earlier scenes (Fat Sam's Gang!).

Other standout ensemble roles include: The Radio Announcer, Paper Boy (or Girl), Razmataz, Maître D's, Elegantly Dressed Lady, Waitress, Louella, the Butler, the Trumpet Player on Roller Skates, the Line of Auditionees at the Bijoux, Pop Becker, the Barber, and Flash Frankie. These are all good comic roles for young performers. In a smaller ensemble, you can double many of these parts. For instance, the Radio Announcer could also play Flash Frankie and Pop Becker.