Bugsy Malone and Child Cancer, 1998

Many Rotarians, wives and partners willingly gave their time work on the show. They used their skill in whatever way they could, from building sets, making costumes or just serving tea to the crew and caste during rehearsal. Rotarians from other clubs also helped, but skilled guidance came from the "professionals", those Operatic Society members whose skills in producing shows was vitally needed to ensure the show was a success. Gillian Davies was key to gaining the widespread support of these people.

The project was recognised by Rotary International and received an International Award

"One of the most ambitious fund-raising projects undertaken in the region is being launched in Hawke's Bay this week. Young cancer patients will benefit from a community effort involving children, theatre enthusiasts, Rotarians, businesses and volunteers, who are coming together to produce the gangster musical Bugsy Malone at the Napier Municipal Theatre next year. The production will be staged in February to coincide with the Art Deco Week.

All money raised from the performances will be given to the Hawke's Bay Child Cancer Support Group and stay in Hawke's Bay to support families of child cancer patients.

Graham Duncan, Alan Tuck, Iain Angus,

Tricia Duncan, Jill Angus

"In the Mood"

The musical's director will be Gillian Davies, who is ready to scout for talent among Hawke's Bay school children in preparation for October auditions. "This undertaking is a challenge for kids to concern themselves with "helping their own" in the community. They will be able to focus their skills, talents and enthusiasm for the benefit of others," she said.

Young people who want to be involved will be making a big commitment over summer with rehearsals to start as soon as the school year finishes and continuing daily until the show opens. Taradale Rotary Club is the principal supporter and will muster other Rotarians to help with tasks including lobbying for corporate support and and preparing hundreds of costumes and stage props required.

The Hawke's Bay Child Cancer Support Group was facing an increasing workload because, of the increasing prevalence of child cancer in the region.

Alan Monk, just one example of those who

worked their weekends to help build the set

Bugsy Malone is an hilarious spoof gangster musical set in 1929 New York, making it a perfect match with Napier's Art Deco Municipal theatre and the week-long celebrations. About 60 children, aged between nine and 13, would be taking part in the musical and it will be a big challenge.

Kids are exciting to work with," she said. "They are stimulated by good ideas and by dreams. You can never underestimate children and their talent."

The Municipal Theatre is one of Napier's prime attractions during Art Deco weekends, but 1999 will be the first year a production will coincide with the annual celebrations. She hopes Bugsy Malone will be the first in a series of productions, with a different charity chosen to benefit each year."

Mobsters!!

The same year, Gillian Davies, the "Bugsy Malone" Director, spoke to the Club. The Bulletin reported-

"Gillian is a well known local identity in the Arts and has assembled a very talented team to produce the show of “Bugsy Malone”. She had most of them with her, and introduced them to her audience. The show will run for 8 performances in the Municipal Theatre, and as a period piece, she considers it to be an ideal vehicle to promote the Art Deco style. The show, using children parodying the gangster era of Chicago in the 30’s, is very demanding on props and costumes, so Gillian is hoping that the Rotary Clubs will be able to assist with their skills and resources to assemble a great array of period pieces, and a central feature of three small pedal cars.

The cars were a huge success

She paid tribute to the energy and enthusiasm of President Graham who has already helped her acquire a building for rehearsals and set construction, and while she is delighted that profits from the show will go towards the establishment of a trust fund for Hawkes' Bay Child Cancer victims, she is equally delighted to think the show will be a vehicle for 60 children to show their talents.

Graham, too, spoke on the role Rotary is taking in the venture. TRC is not underwriting the project, but facilitating in providing manpower, resources and talents.

Set construction

At the conclusion of the project, the Club made an application to Rotary International for recognition of their efforts on behalf of Child Cancer. The contents of the Application summarises the nature and scope of the project. The application was successful as the letter from President James L Lacy (President RI 1998-99) indicates.

To view the application as well as the Commendation from RI President George Lacy, click here.