By Kameron Going
Riverwalk Theatre’s Rotary Main Stage in Lansing, MI is currently hosting Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman’s classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Based on the 1968 MGM film of the same name starring Dick Van Dyke, and adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams and Ray Roderick, the musical tells the story of a father and his two children mourning the loss of their wife and mother. After restoring an old racing car, the family is swept up in a fantastical sequence of events involving foreign dictators, impossible mechanical marvels, and international espionage.
While its inherent goofiness may lead some to believe that Chitty is an easy and simple show to put on, the show is quite the logistical challenge. With many tricky technical requirements and a large cast, Chitty is quite a bold endeavor for a community theatre stage. Director Brian Farnham and his team have risen to the challenge admirably in Riverwalk’s production. With an innovative collapsible set designed by husband-and-wife team Aja Jenks and J.J. Jenks, every inch of the stage is utilized to great effect. The proscenium, decorated in both painted and three-dimensional gears, helps immediately set a whimsical tone, and there were audible gasps from the audience the first time the set, with its many moving pieces, was revealed from behind the curtain.
Riverwalk veteran Ben Holzhausen takes on the role of inventor Caractacus Potts (Van Dyke’s role in the film), recent widower and devoted father. Holzhausen’s characterization of Potts is strong and his connection with his onstage children serves as the heart of the show. Phineas Reed and Isabella Edmonds-Hogan, who play his children Jeremy and Jemima, are fantastic as well. So much of the show’s charm and whimsy rests on the shoulders of these two, and they carry the weight with aplomb and maturity. Sarah Hayner plays Truly Scrumptious, daughter of candymaker Lord Scrumptious, whose malfunctioning motorcycle sends her careening into the lives of the Potts family. Rounding out the central group of protagonists is Grandpa Potts, played by Bob Purosky, who portrays the stereotypical retired English army man to a T.
When Caractacus, at the urging of his children, buys and restores a rusted out old champion race car, they catch the attention of the cartoonishly villainous Baron and Baroness Bomburst of Vulgaria, played by the delightful pairing of Greg Martin and Laura J. Croff, (who make great use of the rather dramatic height difference between them), and send two rather bumbling spies to steal the car for the Baron’s birthday. Played by Boris Nikolovski and Jimmy McCormick, the spies, donning various disguises, make several comical attempts to blend in with the English populace in order to steal the car, including a callback to last season’s production of Spamalot. Nikolovski’s and McCormick’s complete dedication to each bit is impressive. Whilst trying to escape from Vulgarian thieves, the Potts family, along with Truly, who happens to be along for the ride, discovers that their car, which they have named Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is no ordinary vehicle.
The ensemble for this show is large, but absolutely committed to the show. Each member of both the adult and youth ensembles plays several characters throughout the story, in addition to supporting the myriad technical and moving parts of the production. Their enthusiasm and commitment help sell the rather ridiculous plot and help the audience suspend disbelief and fully invest in the show. The costumes, designed by Theresa Dunn, are varied and numerous and beautiful. The live orchestra, led by music director Angie Contien-Schwab, is consistent and dependable.
Of course, no review of this show would be complete without mention of the titular character itself, restored race car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Farnham, along with his prop designer Jean Burk, have outdone themselves with a beautiful and surprisingly mobile prop. Though it doesn’t have much space to move in, the functionality of the different parts of the vehicle, along with great work from the cast and some creative sound work by Troy Boyd and Joe Lancour, help the audience believe in Chitty’s extraordinary capabilities.
Although there are some slightly frightening plot twists and turns, this is a show that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Despite facing many obstacles and challenges, our central family stays united and works together to overcome them, reminding us all that teamwork really can make the dream work. Riverwalk Theatre’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Lansing, MI continues its run for the rest of this weekend and then again next Thursday through Sunday.
Riverwalk Theatre presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Music & Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams and Ray Roderick.
Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive, Lansing, MI 48933
January 24-27, January 31 – February 3, 2019 7:30 PM, Saturday matinee 2:00 PM, Sunday matinee 1:00 PM
Tickets: general public $39.50-99.50, youth tickets $25.50, student ticket prices also available
Contact: 517-482-5700, RWT@RiverwalkTheatre.com
Riverwalk Theatre Facebook Page
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Facebook Event
0 Comments