Audiences of all ages will be amazed with the live animation in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” presented by Chelsea Area Players (CAP) on July 17-19.
“Chitty” is the “fantasmagorical” car in Ian Fleming’s 1964 children’s story, based on a real racing car from the turn of the twentieth century. The floating and flying vehicle was featured in the memorable 1968 film starring Dick Van Dyke.
CAP’s Chitty was designed by Brian Myers, the show’s artistic director. “The Chelsea High School Robotics Team has been providing assistance with some of Chitty’s mechanical needs, including motors and automation,” said Myers. During the show, members of the team will be running the computer board that controls Chitty.
The musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is the story of Caractacus Potts, a quirky inventor raising his two children with the help of his equally unconventional father. At the urging of his children, Potts rescues the car from the scrap heap. He transforms it into a marvelous vehicle coveted by the evil Baron Bomburst, who will stop at nothing to claim it. Potts and his children, together with the beautiful Truly Scrumptious, embark in the adventure of their lives as they battle the Baron, Baroness, and the Child Catcher. The Baron’s bumbling spies provide a source of humor throughout the show.
CAP is the first group in Michigan with the license to perform the show. “We’re the only theater in the state doing this show right now,” said Jeff Boyer, producer.
Musical director Karl Schmidt has been working with the cast of 38 performers from Chelsea and surrounding communities for about two months. “The show has a wide variety of wonderful music, including many songs from the film version and several new songs written just for the stage version,” said Schmidt, who added “Our large cast of soloists and ensemble vocalists will be accompanied by a full 11-piece orchestra.”
The show runs July 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. and July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Chelsea High School Performing Arts Center, 740 North Freer Road.
.
Advance tickets are available for $12 at Chelsea Pharmacy, 1125 South Main St. or online here.
Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $15.
