Casting

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, will take your show a long way towards success.

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, but the key to casting Blousey is finding a young actor who is at home with comedy. A young Carol Burnett type is one recommendation.

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 make sure you've got an actor who can carry a tune; but moreover, finding 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. You can dress him in a fat suit or cast a really small kid with booming voice for comedic effect.

Tallulah is the classic gangster's moll. Cast a young woman who is self-confident and can deliver the role with deadpan sincerity and droll appeal. Tallulah is a Mae West type with a talent for performing. She needs to be a strong singer for her self-titled number.

Dandy Dan is the unflappably stylish, debonair underworld businessman who outwits Fat Sam every step of the way. Your Dan should be comfortable singing his song, "That's Why They Call Him Dandy." Find an actor with just the right sense of style and grace.

Fizzy is an employee of Fat Sam s at the Grand Slam, whose duties involve cleaning up the place. To cast Fizzy, find an actor who can really deliver the song,  Tomorrow. It is a difficult song that requires emotional singing and a significant range. Hopefully, you ll find a singer who can deliver Fizzy s sad-eyed hopes and dreams as he sweeps up.

Fat Sam's Gang includes Roxy Robinson, Angelo, Snake Eyes, Ritzy, Shake Down Louis, and Sam's right hand man, Knuckles. You may add as many ensemble members to the gang as your stage can accommodate. 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.

Dandy's gang members are really bad guys. Also known as The Hoods, they sing a little, but they splurge a lot! Cast 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. You may add as many ensemble members to the gang as your stage can safely accommodate. Remember, girls can easily be dressed up as male gangsters.

Lena Marelli is the star of the  Lena Marelli Show!, and she lets everyone know it. Cast 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 (refer to Rehearsal CD included in your ShowKit for an example). Lena is not very bright, but she is very loud. Think Lina Lamont from Singin' In The Rain.

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, so you might want to put your best actor in that role.

These roles are featured comedic parts that do not require great singers: 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. Cast performers who can really sell these roles for all they are worth. 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. Additionally, students can be cast as Speakeasy staff and customers, including a Waiter, Candy Cigarette Girls, Lena s Bodyguards, Male Gamblers, additional Chorus Girls, Splurge Attendants, Speakeasy Customers, and Members of Fat Sam and Dandy Dan s Gangs. While these are smaller roles, stress to your cast that often small, comedic roles steal the show and make for an even, well-rounded evening at the theatre.