KIDS ON STAGE TEAMS UP WITH BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF BENTON HARBOR 
FOR THEIR PRODUCTION OF BUGSY MALONE

St. Joseph, MI (February 28, 2012) – As a part of their new Sponsor-A-Seat program, Kids On Stage has invited the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor to be their guest for a special matinee performance of their upcoming production of Bugsy Malone Jr.  The attendees will also enjoy complimentary concessions and a visit with the cast and crew.  Based on similar programs across the country, Kids On Stage anticipates Sponsor-A-Seat to become one of their most popular events.  “We hope to make Sponsor-A-Seat a regular part of every production we do from here going forward”, said Doug Fordyce, owner and director of the children’s theatre company based at The Orchards Mall.  “We want these kids who have been exposed to difficult situations and may be unable to afford admission to experience the wonder and magic of live theatre presented by their peers.” 

Sponsors donate $10 for one child to attend the event.  Donations to the Sponsor-A-Seat program can be made at any time throughout the year.  Individuals or corporations wishing to donate to the program may do so by contacting Kids On Stage at 269 313-2795.

The general public will have the opportunity to attend the Kids On Stage production of Bugsy Malone Jr. in their new 130 seat theatre at The Orchards Mall.  The show will be performed Friday through Sunday, March 9-11 and Friday through Sunday, March 16-18.  Performance times are 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with a 3:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday and Sunday.  All tickets are $8.00.  All seating is reserved with limited tickets available at the box office.  Tickets may be purchased at www.dougskidsonstage.comor by calling 269 313-2796.  The production is directed by Doug Fordyce, owner and director of Kids On Stage. A National Youth Theatre award winning children’s theatre company, Kids On Stage is dedicated to the development of life skills in children through the performing arts.  Kids On Stage is an opportunity for school-age children to grow in self-confidence and communication skills by preparing and performing high quality musical productions. 

The show will be performed by 22 area 1^st-9^th grade students.  Characters include Bugsy Malone played by Bryce McNeil (Home Schooled), Blousey Brown played by Amanda Morrison (Lakeshore Middle School), Fat Sam played by Joshua Dixon (Trinity Lutheran School), Dandy Dan played by Myles Clarke (Upton Middle School) and Tallulah played by Natalie Rush (Lakeshore Middle School). 

A slapstick musical comedy, Bugsy Malone Jr. follows the rivalry between two half-witted street gangs and the washed up, well-intentioned, one-time boxer who steps in to take control of Fat Sam’s gang and give Dandy Dan and his boys what they’ve got coming. In this film noir spoof, the message is one of good, clean fun; the characters are wonderful 1920's cartoon cutouts; and the weapons of choice are "splurge" silly string guns and custard pies.

For more information, call 269 313-2795, email doug@dougskidsonstage.com or go online to www.dougskidsonstage.com.