SO WHO'S A BULLY NOW?
By Laurel Graeber
January 13, 2006

You might expect a children's theatrical production called "The Bully" to be a little, well, bullying: a heavy moral lesson that hits its young audiences over the head.

Refreshingly, that description does not apply to Vital Children's Theater's new hourlong musical. With a peppy score and lyrics by John Gregor and an insightful book by David L. Williams, "The Bully" recognizes that bullies and bullying take many forms. With a sense of humor as well as a sense of mission, it explores its highly topical subject through sixth-grade characters who are human beings rather than black-and-white symbols.

The plot centers on Lenny (Brian Charles Rooney), smart and small, and his hulking nemesis, Steve (Miron Gusso), who delights in pushing Lenny around. But things change when the two accidentally get on the wrong bus and are sent to a school where they are mistaken for new students and told to watch out for Mega, the local big cheese. Imagine their astonishment when Mega turns out to be Megan (Laura Binstock), who clearly takes her cues from repeated viewings of "Mean Girls." Sly, smiling and utterly vicious, she takes bullying to a level where even Steve can't compete.

The presence of a common enemy alters the dynamic between Steve, who has vulnerabilities of his own, and Lenny, who is revealed to have been a tattletale and a know-it-all. I won't give away more, except to say that the conclusion is hilarious, witty and even moving. "The Bully," like the best kind of teacher, nudges children toward the truth and then lets them discover it on their own.

"The Bully," through Feb. 5 at the McGinn/Cazale Theater, 2162 Broadway, at 76th Street; (212) 352-3101. Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 3 p.m.; also this Monday at 1 p.m., followed by an optional dance workshop at 2. Tickets: $16; workshop, $14; pass for both, $25.

THE BULLY
By Byrne Harrison

The Bully, directed by Suzu McConnell-Wood, tells the story of Lenny (Brian Charles Rooney), the smartest kid in his school, and Steve (Miron Gusso), the strongest boy and school bully, who makes Lennys life, especially gym class, unbearable. All this changes when the boys accidentally get on the wrong bus and wind up at a new school. There they meet Meg (Laura Binstock), the queen bee, who is both the smartest and the strongest girl and rules with an iron fist. She shows the boys how new kids are treated when she makes Lenny do her gangs homework and Steve carry all their books. Neither Lennys brains nor Steves brawn alone are enough to defeat Meg, but together, they might best her, return to their school, and maybe even learn that they are more alike than either of them wants to admit.

The Bullys music and lyrics (John Gregor) are clever and engaging, with one or two songs audiences are sure to be humming when they leave the theatre. David L. Williamss book is strong -- it complements the music and lyrics, and the language rings true. The cast were full of talent, enthusiasm, and energy that didnt fade, even when they were in the lobby meeting the audience after the show. Miron Gusso is dead on as the petulant and menacing Steve. Though at times his voice got overpowered by the music, he made up for it with his facial expressions and body language; he showed a gift for physical comedy. Brian Charles Rooney was amusing and sympathetic as Lenny, especially in the gym scenes, which will likely bring a few unpleasant memories for everyone. Laura Binstocks Meg was a delight, all sugar and spice and everything nasty. Its a wonderful part, and she had a great time with it. Rounding out the cast were Jere Williams, Shane Camp, and Katherine Boynton, who played various roles, but spent most of their time playing Steve or Megs gang. Jeanette Bonner did a good job portraying the grown-ups who have all the power, but cant see the truth that is right in front of them.

Eric Everetts set was spare, consisting primarily of flats and a few chairs. In a clever turn, most of the locations were indicated with the use of slides projected on the center flat. Amy Kitzhabers costumes, especially the school uniforms, were very well done.

The show was still a little rough on opening day. There were technical problems, lines that got flubbed, timing that was a little off things that tend to get smoothed out rather quickly once a show opens. Did the parents notice the problems? Possibly. Did the kids? Probably not. They were too busy having fun. And if their reaction during and after the show was any indication, Vital can chalk up another success.