DERBY — Derby’s Housatonic Council, Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 3, Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew 33 will present their 99th Annual Scout Gang Show on Saturday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Derby United Methodist Church near the Derby Green.

A beloved local tradition for more than a century, the Scout Gang Show is a lively blend of music, comedy and classic variety entertainment. First staged in 1922, the production has been performed on the same Derby United Methodist Church fellowship hall stage for generations, pausing only during World War II, the COVID-19 pandemic, and last year. Today, it is recognized as the longest-running show of its kind and the only traditional Scout Gang Show still performed in the United States.

This year’s patriotic-themed production, titled “Happy 250, USA!”, celebrates America in advance of the nation’s 250th anniversary with more than 20 musical numbers performed by Derby Scouts. Featured selections include patriotic favorites such as You’re a Grand Old Flag, Yankee Doodle Dandy, America the Beautiful and an Armed Forces Medley, along with classic standards including Mister Sandman, Ma, She’s Making Eyes at Me and Let Me Entertain You.

The Derby Scout Gang Show traces its roots to the traditional English-style Scout Gang Show, a format still popular throughout the British Commonwealth. The name “Gang Show” comes from the phrase, “The Gang’s All Here,” reflecting the spirited camaraderie that has defined the production for more than 100 years.

Originally staged as a traditional minstrel-style performance, the Derby show evolved over time into the family-friendly musical revue it is today. For many local performers, the Gang Show provided their first experience on stage. Among its alumni are Troop 3 Eagle Scout Jeffrey Johns, who later performed off-Broadway in Waiting in the Wings, which he also wrote; the late actor Brian Dennehy; Shelton Aldermanic President John Anglace; and late Bob Skoronski, all of whom appeared in the show as youths.

Much of the show’s enduring legacy is credited to the late Edmund D. Strang, longtime Pack 3 Cubmaster and Derby scouting pioneer, who guided the production for 70 years. In 1982, Ronald Reagan sent Strang a congratulatory letter praising the annual performance as “Connecticut’s finest example of organized chaos.”

Since 1994, the show has been directed by Troop 3 Scout leader Randy Ritter, who also serves as interlocutor. Piano accompaniment is provided by Christian Tracz, while lighting and sound are handled by Troop 3 Committeeman Dominic Livoti.

This year’s “Endmen,” the show’s traditional joke tellers, are Michael Shea, Andrew Kluk, Alexander Robertson, Bobby Stankye, Luca Tecci and Jackson Cotter. Featured “Stooges,” performing the show’s signature run-on comedy sketches, include Jonathan Zuckerman, Keegan Goodwin, Jeremiah Charles and Luke Camara under the direction of Assistant Scoutmaster William McDonnell Jr..

“We have fun with the show and don’t take ourselves too seriously, but it plays an important role in Scouting’s mission to build confidence, character and leadership in our more than 50 Cubs, Scouts and Venturers,” said Pack 3 Cubmaster Mark Ewen.

Special guest performers this year include Scouts from Troop 101 Huntington, Derby Alderwoman Sarah Widomski, Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo, and noted music educator, composer and former Derby resident Anthony Susi. In 2025, Susi composed Courageous Commodore in honor of Derby’s War of 1812 naval hero, Commodore Isaac Hull, for performance by the Derby High School Concert Band as part of Derby’s 350th anniversary celebration.

Tickets are $15 and are available from Pack 3, Troop 3 and Crew 33 members or by calling 203-732-0343. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds support local Scouts attending Housatonic Cub Scout Day Camp, summer camp at Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation, and six Derby Scouts who will attend the 2026 National Scout Jamboree.