'They live for theater': Aurora Arts Theatre puts on 'Bugsy Malone' for summer show
Starting Friday, Aurora Arts Theatre will make history.
For the first time ever, the local community theater will have a show where each cast member is a child or teenager.
"Bugsy Malone," based off the 1976 film, will be performed at Aurora Arts until Sunday, July 7. For tickets, visit auroraartstheatre.com.
The musical is about two gangs, comprised completely of children, squaring off in a 1920s rivalry of Al Capone-ian standards.
Out of the 29 child actors, 27 are new to performing at Aurora Arts. Cash Cisneros, the lead and titular role, is one of them.
Cisneros, 17, said this is his third production but first at Aurora Arts.
"I was torn between auditioning for two shows, but knew I should try out for 'Bugsy Malone,'" Cisneros said. "I know a little about the film and I thought the idea of it would be fun, so I went out and auditioned specifically for the lead role. I'm very lucky I got it."
He said he is excited for the community to come out and watch the musical because it will be an "interesting experience" to see, especially with a cast full of young kids.
"Our youngest cast member is 9, and he's playing a lead character," Cisneros said. "After me, he has the most lines to memorize. It's amazing to see such young people get involved in theater and share that love throughout their community. It's lovely to see them show off their talents and have the audience connect with that."
The 9-year-old Cisneros is talking about is Liam Stewart, who got his start at stage acting five years ago in Harbor Playhouse's "Seussical The Musical." Stewart portrays Fat Sam, one of the gangs' leaders.
"Fat Sam is a mob boss who is all about business," Stewart said. "He's also very strict with his gang members."
He said he relates to his character — sometimes.
"I can get a little mad and then it builds up and I'll explode," Stewart said with a giggle.
Portraying Blousy Brown, a wide-eyed new girl with big dreams of stardom, is 14-year-old Madelyn Taylor.
She said this is her eighth production, relates to her character and believes everyone else will too.
"Blousy is always wanting more," Taylor said. "She wants to be a big star but she's stuck in her little life. She wants to be more than she is. I think a lot of people can relate to that."
Denise Guerra is making her directorial debut. A former music teacher of 35 years, Guerra said the process has been fun and a challenge.
"These kids are great; they live for theater," Guerra said. "A lot have come out of their shells. A lot of the boys said they don't dance, but they're dancing now. Same with the girls. A lot came in with two left feet, and now they're following right along."
Guerra said she has loved seeing her cast grow and become more confident in themselves. She said she hopes any young person thinking about taking the stage should just "do it."
"You may not get the starring role, but that person who got it had to start somewhere," Guerra said. "You never know where you'll end up. It's a great experience. Put yourself out there, and you won't be afraid to do anything."
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or X @johnpoliva.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Aurora Arts Theatre: 'Bugsy Malone' to take the stage through July
