Roaring back to the ‘20s

Gallimaufry Performing Arts will take audiences back in time with two musical performances, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Bugsy Malone,” which will premiere Thursday and July 25, respectively, at the Artists’ Theatre in Laguna Beach.

Artistic Director Steve Josephson said he’s thrilled to finally put on “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” a widely adored musical for which it’s taken him three years to get approval to direct in Orange County.

“I thought it would be fun to pair this with another 1920s New York City musical that has fantastic songs and dance numbers,” he said.

“We’ve got the most talented cast we’ve had for any of our shows, so audiences should expect a Broadway-level performance.

“We’re going full out.”

Based on the book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan, and the 1967 film starring Julie Andrews, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” tells the story of a small-town girl who escapes from Kansas to the big city in search of a new life for herself.

The story takes place in 1922, a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing.

The six-time Tony Award winner delivers 20 “fabulous and energetic” musical numbers that are sure to entertain the masses and features James Snyder, who starred in Broadway’s “Cry Baby.”

John Waters and will join the cast as “Jimmy.”

The role of Millie Dillmount will be played by Tayler Mettra, who said she is thrilled to be a part of a production that has made a profound impact on her life.

“I saw the Broadway show and was mesmerized by the singing and dancing,” she said.

“I fantasized about having the opportunity to play the role of Millie, and now my dream has partially become a reality.”

“Millie” premieres at 8 p.m. Thursday and will run through Aug. 1.

Cast members will sing, dance and fling pies in the tongue-in-cheek, pint-sized, Prohibition-era mobster send-up, “Bugsy Malone,” which premieres at 2 p.m. July 25 and will run through Aug. 2.

The Alan Parker book-turned-1976 movie musical, starring Scott Baio and Jodie Foster, follows Chicago child gangsters and tells the story of Bugsy Malone’s battle for power between “Fat Sam” and “Dandy Dan.”

The musical will feature all the great songs from the original and a few additional numbers composed by Paul Williams.

Sarah Busic, a 15-year-old actress who attends Laguna Beach High School and will have leading roles in both productions, said she loves both stories so much, she just couldn’t choose.

“I wanted to challenge myself with the lead role of Blousey Brown in Bugsy and the dance ensemble in Millie,” she said.

“Brown’s character is so strong, but she doesn’t show it, which is something I really admire.

“And the dance [performances] are exciting and fun.”