By Katherine Beeson
My grandson loves the movie “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and was my special guest when I reviewed the musical presented by Bombshell Theatre Co. at Hart Park Rotary Stage in Wauwatosa. This was his first theatrical production, and we were both very excited.
The story centers on Aractacus Potts, a widowed inventor with two children, who restores an old race car that turns out to have magical powers. (They name the auto Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when they hear the rhythmic sound it makes!) Potts encounters Truly Scrumptious, a candy heiress, when he tries to peddle his latest confectionary creation. She joins the family when trouble strikes. The valuable automobile is coveted by the royalty of Vulgaria and when the children’s grandfather (believed to be the inventor) is kidnapped by Vulgarian spies, the family goes to the rescue. They encounter a baron and baroness who ban all children and the Potts youngsters are kidnapped by the kingdom’s evil Child Catcher. Working with a clever Toy Maker, Potts and Truly are able to rescue all the town’s captured children, along with Grandfather and their beloved car.
While the cast is worth noting, I want to comment on the effect this show has on children. Besides Rory, there were many children in the audience and ALL of them were riveted to the stage for the entire show! One little girl was so taken by Truly singing “Lovely, Lonely Man” that she ran to the front of the audience area and began to dance. Rory was literally dancing in his seat during the lively “The Bombie Samba.” (After one song, he was holding his sunglasses while clapping but then decided his clapping wasn’t loud enough, so dropped the shades and continued to applaud.)
I asked Rory to tell me his favorite part and he answered, “I liked all of it.” The show is fast moving with lots of color and the car is definitely the star of the show. Rory wants to come back and see it again. (That will be possible because while the front paved area is reserved for paid ticket sales, the grassy area just behind it is a great place for lawn chairs and blankets and there is no charge!) There are plastic chairs offered, but most people brought their own.
Bombshell Theatre Co. is planning to bring a family-friendly show to Hart Park every summer and I hope they are successful. It was a wonderful production in an outdoor setting with a nearby-playground and refreshments for sale. Parking is close by.
Presenting a show outdoors does present a few challenges. Weather is a real factor (two shows had to be cancelled on a rainy Saturday and the wind attacked a few set pieces) and the passing trains contribute a loud vocal interruption (the cast cleverly adds railroad-inspired dialogue that gave the audience a chuckle). But Bombshell used very simple stage design and moved walls and furniture in and out with ease.
Director Michael Pocaro, actors Eric Welch (Potts,) Abby Urban (Truly) and the entire talented cast and crew brought magic to the park with this wonderful presentation of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” One happy 5 year-old could not stop talking about it on the way home.
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” runs through July 2.