Glacier Lake School students triumph in ‘Bugsy Malone’ musical
Nicole Tavenner
Evelyn Pavlock Ferencz plays the lead role of Bugsy Malone.
Nicole Tavenner
Katherine Smith as Tallulah, sings a colorful song with her entourage dancing in the Speakeasy.
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
Nicole Tavenner
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News from Glacier Lake School
The talented students of Glacier Lake School continued the tradition of musicals with a unique performance of the classic musical, “Bugsy Malone,” based on the 1970s movie starring Jodie Foster.
The Grey Leaf Gallery, in Ronan, a 1920s former Masonic Lodge, provided the perfect setting for this musical set in 1920s New York at the height of prohibition. The hall was transformed into a ‘speakeasy,’ with the audience sitting at tables in the center. All four walls of the gallery were used as different scenes during the play.
The packed hall came to life with action, fun and music, for two nights.
Nicole Tavenner, who runs the gallery said, “It’s wonderful to see the place used again, as a venue where the community can meet. I’ve met many people recently who remember this space during the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, used for a dance hall and other events where the community would gather.”
The show calls for over 50 performers, which presented a problem. Director Ben Kestner explained that Glacier Lake School only has 30 students and only 20 wished to perform. Having the students double and triple up on parts solved the problem. The entire school was involved in the production, including set design, costumes, marketing, front of house, lights and more.
The show opened with Evelyn Pavlock Ferencz in the title role, narrating as she moved amongst the audience. Her soon-to-be-friend, and would-be Hollywood hopeful, Blousey, played by Marina Kestner Pavlock appeared, baseball bat in hand, and the two of them formed an inspirational partnership throughout the show. The two gang leaders, Gabe Moxness Myard and Conner Ferril, both planning to graduate this year, sparred throughout the show. Tallulah, played by Kathren Smith, performed with confidence.
Other roles required students to take on many parts with quick changes of costume and character, which included Lina Sturman, Ezra TwoTeeth, Robbie Gibbons, Mercedes Hartung and Abigail Gillin.
Robbie Gibbons’ song, “Tomorrow,” which laments the fact that he never gets his audition to dance and is told throughout the show to “come back tomorrow,” reduced many to tears. Lina Minelli, the dramatic role which includes the song, “Show Business,” was performed by Maude Pavlock Ferencz, who battled a severe cold to come on and shine, epitomizing the term, “The show must go on.”
The gang members, complete with ‘splurge guns,’ which fired silly-string, were performed by Jadyn Smith, who was also Fat Sam’s side-kick Knuckles; August Pavlock Winkler; Christian Olesen; Trinity Unruh; Mark Hammond; Eirnin Moore; Isaiah Phoenix; Aubrey Gillin; Brenna Hobbs and Hazel Burton.
The lighting and sound were expertly handled by students Kemberly Gibson, Lily Mikes and Violet Humble. Zoe Schroeder, 10, was the front-of-house and backstage manager. The costumes were designed and made by parent Joyanne Unruh.
With a cast aged 4-18 years old, this was truly a whole school and community production. “Bugsy Malone” created a message of love and understanding in a time when community reconciliation has become more important than ever, and for the holidays, it was a well-received message of peace.
