The much-loved family musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has been spectacularly transferred to the stage of Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, and received an ecstatic standing ovation from an almost full house at the gala premiere on Saturday night.
Based on the treasured family movie of 1968, which itself was loosely based on Ian Fleming’s 1964 children’s novel, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tells the story of Caratacus Potts (David Hobson); a widowed, eccentric inventor who lives with his two children, Jeremy and Jemima, and his elderly, equally eccentric father. After seeing the children playing in a junkyard with an old rusted car, Potts buys the vehicle and rebuilds it – making some improvements of his own along the way and dubbing the car ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’.
As the story unfolds the car is revealed to possess a number of unique qualities – not the least of which is the ability to fly.
Soon the Potts meet leading lady Truly Scrumptious (Rachel Beck), who accompanies the family on a picnic and helps them rescue Grandpa Potts and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the clutches of the evil Baron and Baroness Bomburst of Vulgaria. Along the way we meet an evil Childcatcher and a pair of silly spies, while enjoying various enchanting and exuberant musical numbers, before the story eventually – as such stories do – ends happily and well.
Technically, this is a truly impressive production, featuring some magnificent stage effects – not only Chitty Chitty Bang Bang herself, but also several of Potts’ many inventions.
The cast is excellent, and as Hobson and Beck especially are such splendid singers, the show has quite an operatic feel in parts – an impression which is added to by the huge chorus of ‘lost’ children in Act Two.
Caratacus Potts is magnificently played by David Hobson (making the switch from opera to musical theatre); he carries the show superbly and steals the scene every chance he gets. Special mention must be made of the glorious way he sings ‘Hushabye Mountain’ and throws himself into the rollicking ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’.
Rachel Beck is sweetly elegant, feisty and determined as the show’s romantic interest. Her ‘Lovely, Lonely Man’ and ‘Doll on a Music Box’ are sensational.
Peter Carroll has a wonderful time as the gruff, charming Grandpa Potts, especially in the songs ‘Posh’ and ‘The Roses of Success ‘
Comic relief was provided by audience favourites, the ridiculous spies Boris and Goran (George Kapinairis and Todd Goddard) who appear in assorted ‘disguises’ and silly situations.
Much fun was had by the marvellously petulant and childish Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria (Alan Brough) and his scheming, narcissistic, delightfully wicked, child-hating wife, the Baroness (Jennifer Vuleric ). They were resplendent in red costumes, and displayed excellent comic timing in their delicious ‘Chu-Chi Face’.
Hold tightly and protectively onto your children when Tyler Coppin as the devilish Childcatcher is around. He is brilliantly, malevolently evil, quite frightening at times, and has a spectacular solo.
Caratacus Potts’ children Jeremy and Jemima were enchantingly played by Max Walburn and Ashleigh Ross.
Dana Jolly’s choreography sparkles throughout.
While Chitty Chitty Bang Bang herself behaved beautifully (and received several curtain calls at the end of the evening) there were a few minor technical hitches on opening night, but the audience mostly ignored them and surrendered to having a marvellous time.
A terrific musical, and much fun for everyone (though given its long running time, evening performances many not be ideal for very small children).
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Music and lyrics by Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman
Adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams and Ray Roderick
Directed by Roger Hodgman
Musical director/conductor: Peter Casey
Sound design: Kelvin Gedye
Scenic and costume designer: Anthony Ward
Lighting designer: Matt Scott
Choreographer: Dana Jolly
Cast includes: David Hobson, Rachel Beck, Alan Brough, Jennifer Vuleric, George Kapinairis, Peter Carroll, Todd Goddard, Tyler Coppin, Max Walburn, Ashleigh Ross, Philip Gould, Tony Farrell and Sonia Carter
Running time: 2 hours 40 mins (approx) including one interval
Capitol Theatre, Sydney
17 November 2012 – 13 January 2013
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne
30 January – 24 February 2013
