(Chelsea Update would like to thank the Chelsea Area Players for the information in this story.)
When Gary Glover heard that Chelsea Area Players (CAP) would be performing “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” he knew he wanted to audition.
“I thought it would be perfect to be Grandpa Potts,” said Glover. “I’m not really a grandpa yet, but I get to practice with my two pretend grandkids, Jeremy and Jemima.”
A 32-year stage veteran with 25 shows under his belt, Glover enjoys performing in family friendly shows. “It’s fun working with kids,” he said. “They have a lot of energy and fresh ideas. I’m impressed with the talented children in this show.”
Glover is thrilled to work under the show’s directors, and is confident that their leadership will make the show fantastic. “Brian [Myers, director] knows his stuff – he’s so bright technically,” said Glover.
“And Karl [Schmidt, vocal director] does amazing work, too,” he said.
While Glover portrays Grandpa Potts on stage, his daughter, Becca, will be in the pit playing the double bass as part of the 11-piece orchestra. “This is our sixth show together,” he said.
Glover, who is married and has two adult children, has lived in Chelsea for 17 years, but grew up in Dexter. He is employed as a scoring director for Measurement Incorporated in Ypsilanti.
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” based on the 1968 MGM movie, was adapted for stage by Jeremy Sams, with music and lyrics by the Sherman Brothers, who also wrote the score for “Mary Poppins.”
Glover invites everyone to come along on the adventures of the Potts family with their amazing flying, floating car – and bring the kids.
Performances are July 17 and 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 Street or online here. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $15.
