Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (musical)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | ||
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Book Jeremy Sams | | |
Basis | ||
Premiere | April 16, 2002: London Palladium | |
Productions |
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a
Plot
- Act One
The junkyard manager Coggins recounts the last race of the British champion race car, the Paragon Panther, which was contested against the Vulgarian Vulture in the 1910 British Grand Prix, but the Panther crashed after Vulgarian spies sabotaged it. ("Opening") Years later, the Panther sits in a junkyard, forgotten by all save the young siblings Jeremy and Jemima Potts, who are enamored with Coggins' tales and the car's history. They are shocked when Coggins tells them he plans to scrap it, but he promises to save the Panther for them if they can purchase and move it within a few weeks. Truly Scrumptious, daughter of the wealthy Lord Scrumptious, arrives at the junkyard seeking a spare part, but upon finding the truant children, takes them home to their father, the widowed inventor Caractacus. Meanwhile, two Vulgarian spies, Boris and Goran, acting under the direction of their leader, autocratic Baron Bomburst, have discovered the location of the Panther and make plans to purchase the car before the children.
Truly arrives at the Potts household, an old windmill, with the children and lectures Caractacus on their improper upbringing before leaving; as he prepares a meal for the children ("
In the morning, Caractacus brings another invention, his automatic hair-cutting machine, to a local fair ("Come to the Funfair"), but the first demonstration again goes awry, as the hapless inventor's machine shaves the prospective client nearly bald. Caractacus escapes the wrathful client by joining a spirited morris dance group ("Me Ol' Bamboo") and the hair-cutting machine is sold instead to a turkey farmer, who plans to use it to pluck and cook his birds, giving Caractacus the money he needs to purchase the Panther. After purchasing the derelict racer and towing it home, Caractacus performs an intensive restoration while Grandpa and the children maintain the household ("Posh!"); after several days, Caractacus emerges from the workshop with the beautifully refurbished car, which they decide to take for a drive with Truly. Collectively, they rename the car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the unusual noises made by the engine ("Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"), and the four go for a seaside picnic.
During the picnic, the children confess their love to Truly ("Truly Scrumptious"), who reciprocates and realizes she has feelings for Caractacus as well; distracted by their emotions, the adults fail to notice they have become stranded by the rising tide, but Chitty demonstrates its amphibious capabilities by transforming into a boat ("Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (nautical reprise)) as the Vulgarians attempt to capture the car and the Potts make a clean escape with Truly. Learning the car is also a boat both infuriates Baron Bomburst and renews his desire to own it. The Vulgarians arrive at the Potts family windmill first, though, and believing mistakenly that Grandpa is responsible for the wonders of Chitty, they hook his hut from an airship, kidnapping him inside. The rest of the family arrive with Truly in time to see them taking off with Grandpa. Speeding in pursuit, Chitty goes over a cliff but in another remarkable display, transforms into an aircraft ("Chitty Takes Flight") and follows the airship, hut, and Grandpa back to Vulgaria.
- Act Two
Upon his arrival in Vulgaria ("Vulgarian National Anthem"), Grandpa is forced by Baron Bomburst to give the Baron's car floating and flying capabilities like Chitty, working with other inventors previously kidnapped by the Baron. After learning they have failed for years to accomplish this, Grandpa despairs but is cheered by his fellow prisoners, who see their failures merely as learning experiences ("The Roses of Success"). Chitty arrives shortly afterwards bearing Truly and the three remaining Potts; the Toymaker hustles them into his workshop just as the Childcatcher rushes to their landing site, suspecting the presence of children, who are banned in Vulgaria ("Kiddy-Widdy-Winkies"). As Caractacus learns that to comply, the citizens of Vulgaria have sent their children underground to live in the sewers, the Childcatcher tricks Truly and imprisons Jeremy and Jemima.
While the Baron and Baroness prepare for his birthday party ("
Productions
Original London production (2002–2005)
The musical premiered in the
Original Broadway production (2005)
The
A US national tour began in November 2008 at the Broward Center in
Subsequent UK touring productions
UK tour and Singapore (2005–2008)
Since closing in London, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang toured around the UK, stopping in
UK and Ireland tour (2009–2010)
In 2009, the original production toured the UK and Ireland until 2010 on a smaller scale, directed by original director Adrian Noble and choreographed by David Morgan. This tour used the script revisions used for the US tour by Ray Roderick. The tour opened in Plymouth at the Theatre Royal on July 3, 2009, and finished in Eastbourne (August 18 – September 4, 2010)[10][11]
UK and Ireland tour (2015–2017)
A new production produced by Music and Lyrics Productions opened at the
UK and Ireland tour (2024)
A new production directed by Thom Southerland, choreographed by Karen Bruce and designed by Morgan Large are to open at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on April 30, 2024, before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour until December 2024. In November 2023, it was announced that Adam Garcia will star as Caractactus Potts. Further dates and casting are to be announced.[14]
Other productions
The Australian national production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang opened on November 17, 2012, at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, featuring David Hobson and Rachael Beck.[15] The German premiere of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang took place on April 30, 2014, at the Prinzregententheater in Munich, translated by Frank Thannhaeuser, directed by Josef E. Koepplinger and choreographed by Ricarda Regina Ludigkeit. The same team staged another production at State Theatre on Gaertnerplatz in early 2020.[16]
Musical numbers
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Notes
*Songs were omitted for the 2008 US tour. "Kiddy-Widdy-Winkies" was replaced with a version of "Lovely Lonely Man" from the original film, sung by Truly Scrumptious.
Cast and characters
Character | London | Broadway | UK tour | US tour | UK tour | Australia | UK and Ireland tour | UK and Ireland tour |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2002 | 2005 | 2005 | 2008 | 2009 | 2012 | 2015 | 2024 | |
Caractacus Potts | Michael Ball
|
Raúl Esparza | Tim Flavin | Steve Wilson | Darren Bennett | David Hobson | Jon Robyns | Adam Garcia |
Truly Scrumptious | Emma Williams | Erin Dilly | Marissa Dunlop | Kelly McCormick | Rachel Stanley | Rachael Beck | Amy Griffiths | Ellie Nunn |
Grandpa Potts | Anton Rodgers | Philip Bosco | Paul Greenwood | Dick Decareau | John Griffiths | Peter Carroll | Andy Hockley | Liam Fox |
Jeremy Potts | Luke Newberry George Gillies Harry Smith |
Henry Hodges | Tom Hunter Connor Doyle Daniel Jukes Daniel Shaw Harrison Edwards Samuel Wright Adam Hargreaves |
Jeremy Lipton Zachary Carter Sayle |
Venue dependant | Michael Kilbane Anthony Garcia Max Walburn |
Harry Grasby Henry Kent Hayden Goldberg Elliot Kelly |
Ayrton English Charlie McGuire Roshan Thomson Louis Wilkins |
Jemima Potts | Carrie Hope Fletcher Lauren Morgan Kimberley Fletcher |
Ellen Marlow | Leyci Wightman Maddy Allison Shona Eaton Chloe Jones Harriet Back Shannon Wake Katie Reynolds Dominique Skinner Niamh Coombes (Singapore only) |
Aly Brier Camille Mancuso |
Venue dependant | Jasmin Younger Rose Shannon-Duhigg Ashleigh Ross |
Lucy Sherman Caitlin Surtees Darcy Snares |
Maddie Cochrane Isla Ithier Isabella Manning Jasmine Nyena |
Baron Bomburst[a] | Brian Blessed | Marc Kudisch | Sean Blowers | George Dvorsky | Edward Peel | Alan Brough, Shane Bourne | Don Gallagher | Martin Callaghan |
Baroness Bomburst[b] | Nichola McAuliffe | Jan Maxwell | Jane Gurnett | Elizabeth Ward | Kim Ismay | Jennifer Vuletic | Tamsin Carroll | Jenny Gayner |
Childcatcher[c] | Richard O'Brien | Kevin Cahoon | Robin Askwith | Oliver Wadsworth | Dean Maynard | Tyler Coppin | Stephen Matthews | Elaine C. Smith |
Toymaker[d] | Edward Petherbridge | Frank Raiter | Richard Owens | Richard G. Rodgers | Tony Jackson | Phillip Gould | Ewan Cummins | John Macaulay |
Boris | David Ross | Robert Sella | Robert Traynor | Dirk Lumbard | Richard Ashton | Todd Goddard | Sam Harrison | Adam Stafford |
Goran | Emil Wolk | Chip Zien | Nigel Garton | Scott Cote | Nigel Garton | George Kapiniaris | Scott Paige | Michael Joseph |
Lord Scrumptious[a] | David Henry | Kenneth Kantor | Duncan Smith | George Dvorsky | Edward Peel | Alan Brough | Don Gallagher | Martin Callaghan |
- Notes
- ^ a b "Baron Bomburst" and "Lord Scrumptious" were played by the same actor after changes to the 2008 US tour.
- ^ Actress also played "Miss Phillips" after changes to the 2008 US tour.
- ^ Actor also played "Junkman" after changes to the 2008 US tour.
- ^ Actor also played "Coggins" after changes to the 2005 UK tour.
Notable London replacements (2002–2005)
- Caractacus Potts: Gary Wilmot, Jason Donovan, Brian Conley
- Truly Scrumptious: Caroline Sheen, Scarlett Strallen, Jo Gibb
- Grandpa Potts: Russ Abbott, Tony Adams
- Baron Bomburst: Victor Spinetti, Christopher Biggins
- Baroness Bomburst: Sandra Dickinson, Louise Gold
- Childcatcher: Paul O'Grady, Peter Polycarpou, Derek Griffiths, Lionel Blair, Stephen Gately, Wayne Sleep, Alvin Stardust
- Goran: Christopher Ryan
Notable UK tour replacements (2005–2008)
- Caractacus Potts: Brian Conley, Gary Wilmot, Joe McFadden, Craig McLachlan, Kevin Kennedy, Matt Baker, Aled Jones
- Grandpa Potts: Gregor Fisher, Tony Adams
- Baron Bomburst: Ken Morley
- Baroness Bomburst: Barbara Rafferty
- The Childcatcher: Kevin Kennedy, Alvin Stardust, Richard O'Brien, Russ Spencer, Ian 'H' Watkins
Notable UK and Ireland tour replacements (2015–2017)
- Caractacus Potts: Jason Manford, Lee Mead
- Truly Scrumptious: Carrie Hope Fletcher
- Baron Bomburst: Phill Jupitus, Shaun Williamson
- Baroness Bomburst: Michelle Collins, Claire Sweeney
- The Childcatcher: Martin Kemp, Jos Vantyler
Awards and nominations
Original London production
Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | Whatsonstage.com Awards
|
Best New Musical | Nominated | |
Best Actor in a Musical | Michael Ball
|
Nominated | ||
Best Actress in a Musical | Emma Williams | Nominated | ||
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical | Nichola McAuliffe | Nominated | ||
Best Set Design | Anthony Ward | Won | ||
Laurence Olivier Award
|
Best New Musical | Nominated | ||
Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical | Nichola McAuliffe | Nominated | ||
Best Set Design | Anthony Ward | Nominated |
Original Broadway production
Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2005 | Tony Award
|
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
|
Erin Dilly | Nominated |
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
|
Marc Kudisch | Nominated | ||
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
|
Jan Maxwell | Nominated | ||
Best Scenic Design | Anthony Ward | Nominated | ||
Best Lighting Design | Mark Henderson | Nominated |
2015–2017 UK tour
Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2017 | Whatsonstage.com Awards
|
Best Actress in a Musical | Carrie Hope Fletcher | Nominated |
Best Regional Production (at the New Wimbledon Theatre) | Nominated |
References
- ^ "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the Musical". Eon productions. Archived from the original on December 8, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
- ^ Ahmed, Rashmee Z (April 17, 2002). "Chitty, the car, delights UK theatregoers". Times of India. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
- ^ Brantley, Ben. "She's a Diva on Wheels of Song." The New York Times, April 29, 2005. Retrieved February 29, 2008.
- ^ Boroff, Philip (Bloomberg News). "Two underrated Broadway musicals deserved better: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Sweet Charity may take to the road", Ottawa Citizen. ARTS; Pg. D4. December 26, 2005
- ^ 2005 "Broadway box office grosses for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" Archived July 5, 2009, at the Wayback Machine Broadwayworld.com
- ^ Gans, Andrew. "'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' Launches National Tour in Florida Nov. 18". Playbill, November 18, 2008
- ^ "Car at Garofalo" strawberryfieldsthetribute.com, accessed May 24, 2015
- ^ Majid, Hasnita A. "'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' musical to extend run till Dec 9." Archived November 1, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Channel NewsAsia.com, November 1, 2007. Retrieved February 29, 2008.
- ^ "Chitty Chitty to open with a big Bang Bang in Singapore." MI6 News, October 4, 2007. Retrieved February 29, 2008.
- ^ "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - The Musical | Tickets - How to buy tickets & venue information". Chitty the Musical. Archived from the original on June 14, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
- ^ "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - The Musical | Tickets - How to buy tickets & venue information". Chitty the Musical. Archived from the original on June 14, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
- ^ Mayo, Douglas (October 16, 2015). "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 2016 Tour Tickets". British Theatre.com.
- ^ Sharman, Laura; Rodger, James (March 20, 2020). "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang stage show props up for sale - including flying car". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
- ^ "New production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to tour the UK". June 6, 2023.
- ^ Bennett, Sally (September 7, 2011). "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang coming to Australia". Herald Sun. Melbourne. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
- ^ "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". Gärtnerplatztheater. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
External links
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Internet Broadway Database
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Music Theatre International website
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at State Theatre on Gaertnerplatz
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Facebook
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Twitter