Young actors ready to soar in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.’
The youth troupe of Christian Family Theater will open one of the first community productions of Ian Fleming’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.” for three performances Friday-Sunday, Nov. 16-18.
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.” is a student version of the popular stage musical based on Ian Fleming’s children’s book. The musical features a book by Jeremy Sams, music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman and includes the Academy Award-nominated title song featured in the 1968 movie.
Planning for this production began in June says director Dale Dye.
“I believe this is our largest scaled production to date,” he notes. “The show has several automated or motorized set pieces including Chitty. Our set even undergoes our largest transformation ever during the show.”
The story follows an eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, and his children, Jeremy and Jemima, who discover an old race car that has magical properties. When evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself, the family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts to outwit the Baron and Baroness and their henchman, the Child Catcher.
Dye says the cast includes 32 students ranging in age from 8 to 18. Cast in the principal roles are Harrison Stoll as Caractacus Potts, Addie Rose Hendrix as Jemima Potts, David Barr as Jeremy Potts and Julia Itson as Truly Scrumptious.
Costumer Denise Dye has created more than 100 costumes for the show. Sets have been painted by Becky Eversole.
Doors open one hour before each show, and seating begins 30 minutes before curtain.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.CFTChattanooga.com or at the door.