PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Lavish production sends 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' flying
March 11, 2009
By Alice T. Carter


Each generation has its own iconic shows.

For those born in the mid-to-late 1960s, it's the movie "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," which hit the silver screen in 1968.

Now in their 40s and with kids of their own, they're likely to get a kick out of seeing the national touring production of the live stage musical that's playing at the Benedum Center through Sunday.

The story hasn't changed.

Eccentric inventor and widower Caractacus Potts restores an antique racing car that takes him and his children, Jeremy and Jemima, on a perilous adventure to Vulgaria to rescue Grandpa Potts. The Sherman brothers, Richard M. and Robert B., who wrote the score for the original movie, supply the upbeat score that's largely unmemorable except for the infectious, oft-repeated title song and big production numbers such as "Toot Sweets" and "Me Ol' Bamboo." They also include music not in the movie -- notably "The Bombie Samba" that becomes a lavish opportunity for choreography.

This national touring production is solidly and attractively produced with an abundance of vivid, highly imaginative sets and colorful costumes originally designed by Anthony Ward. The story moves through a variety of locations with set designs adapted by Robert Bissinger -- the Potts' home in an old windmill filled with Rube Goldberg-esque inventions, the Scrumptious family candy factory and the palace of the Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria.

Steve Wilson plays an appealing Caractacus Potts, with just the right hint of Jimmy Stewart charm. It's easy to see why the attractive Kelly McCormick's Truly Scrumptious falls for him and his two likeable children, played by Zachary Carter Sayle and Aly Brier.

Comic villains supply a fair measure of laughs.

Irwin native George Dvorsky and Elizabeth Ward Land have fun as the childish Baron and his lascivious Baroness who plot to steal the fabulously restored car. They're aided and abetted by Dirk Lumbard and Scott Cote, who play a pair of comedic vaudevillian henchmen -- Boris and Goran. The pair offer a large helping of bad puns, schtick and a couple of Steeler references.

Many of the jokes make it clear that the show is aimed more at nostalgic adults and likely to go over the heads of youngsters. Oliver Wadsworth's Childcatcher also might be a bit too scary for very young theatergoers.

Ultimately, the show's car remains the real star.

Gloriously gleaming, nimble and endowed with a bit of personality, it makes you believe a car really can fly


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