By MeriJo Guercio
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a stage musical based on the 1968 produced by Albert R Broccoli. The music and lyrics were written by Richard Sherman and Roger Sherman, and book by Jeremy Sams. The stage version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is based on the beloved film version of Ian Fleming‘s children’s book.
The musical adaptation first hit the stage in London in 2002 and on Broadway in 2005. The original movie is dear to the hearts of any Disney fan of a certain age, and the musical theatre adaptation is a pleasing memory jogger.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, directed by Kristin Housley, is great fun. I was wishing I had snagged a neighbor kid to share the experience. I resorted to watching other kids as their faces light up when they see Chitty (description of Chitty below) for the first time. It is mesmerizing, a true theatric moment that probably lit my face up like a five-year-old’s. The audience interaction is enjoyable as the cast uses the aisles and side stage for sneaky entrances, always thwarted by audience sneers and cheers for the good guys and loud “boos” for the villains. The entire population of the pavilion was having a great night.
The set transitions occur smoothly as the backdrop changes from the Vulgarian Countryside to a candy shop to a mechanic shop to a circus. The set designer, Deb Taylor, had her work cut out for her creating such diversity. Her crew really uses creative artistry and the stage team maneuveres with precision.
This small town musical boasts a full orchestra, led by Marie Buhler, with Music Director Gerri Sattree. The musical backdrop adds to the fun, with trombone and percussion sounds that provide a full score. I never heard a missed orchestra cue, they stayed with the songs all night long. I have not seen a full orchestra accompaniment in many years and it added to the evening’s experience.
Chitty is the story of the eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts and his children who restore an old race car from a scrap heap. The car had seen days of glory as the 1910 Grand Prix winner, but had fallen in disrepair. The family soon finds the car has magical properties like being able to float and take flight. The trouble starts when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The Potts family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious (who comes from money made by her family’s candy factory) and Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron, the despicable Baroness, and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.
The car is the standout star of the show. It showcases wooden siding in superior craftsmanship and remarkable finish, a shiny silver front-end and giant spoked wheels. She will make you recall your first car, with all the emotion and nostalgia of the first time you started that engine. Chitty is a visual masterpiece that creates an experience. When was the last time a stage prop evoked emotion like that? Spoiler alert: you will actually believe a car can fly. I spent some time after the show learning about the show’s mega-star. Chitty has a resume as impressive as some of her cast mates, and she is just visiting Herriman from her home in Chicago.
The lovable Caractacus Potts is played by Stephen Tobian. He is raising the Potts tots Jemima (CC Keel) and Jeremy (Ethan Marchant) with the help of his eccentric father who is given life by Barton Sloan. It’s easy to watch the family interactions. Sloan really steals his scenes, and showcases his voice singing, “I Have Them Three”. The family just gets more dynamic when they are introduced to Miss Truly Scrumptous (Julie Barker). Barker’s impressive voice and theatric presence feel very professional. My favorite musical moments are the family singing, “bang bang chitty chitty bang bang, our fine four fendered friend” among the orchestra.
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Opposing the Potts family and providing comic relief and evil plotting are the Baron and Baroness (Gerry Graves and Marcela Fedderson) and their henchmen Boris (Tevan McPeak) and Goran (Brent Rindlisbacher). These four plot to steal Chitty and bring her to Vulgaria where children are prey to the notorious Child Catcher (Andy Browning). The interactions between Graves and Federson are witty and well-timed with facial quality and hidden adult humor. Browning has captured a pretty amazing children’s chorus and we get to hear them at their finest reminding us that “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”.
The surprising additions to the show were energetic dancing and a scene with real dogs. The choreography is courtesy of Jenna Ahlman, who found a way to add a well-performed salsa in the mix of all the mayhem in Bulgaria. The acoustics in the Pavilion Are flawless, every microphone amplified through the audience. The children’s period costumes, thanks to Emily Berbert’s team, would be the envy of any hard-core Pioneer Trek enthusiast. The stand out costume is the beautiful lace English picnic dress worn by Truly Scrumptous.
In short, you may come to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for a play, but you will be leave with an experience. There are still some chances to join in the experience, so pack up the kiddos into your four-fendered friend and head for Herriman for a nostalgic and humorous summer night. And watch this for a taste of what you’ll see onstage.
Rosecrest Pavilion at Butterfield Park, 6212 Butterfield Park Way, Herriman, UT 84096
July 11–14, 16-17, 19-21, 23 8:00 PM
Tickets: $9
Contact: 801-446-8658
Herriman Arts Facebook Page
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Facebook Event
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