THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
The stage magic of a magical car.
June 10, 2009
By Roxana Orellana


If you haven't seen the movie, no worries: The national touring production of the musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" playing at Salt Lake City's Capitol Theatre through June 14 needs no explanation. The unabashedly sweet story features dogs, children and a flying car -- and it's funny, energetic and professional. The actors in this production of "Chitty" don't disappoint.

Take the young Jeremy Potts' (Jeremy Lipton) and Jemima Potts (Camille Mancuso). Not only are they cute as buttons but both sing their hearts out, and do it well. The "You Two" number at the top of the first act and "Truly Scrumptious" display their talent. Their voices harmonize so well together, that you can't resist paying attention to the actual lyrics.

The youthful actors also display chemistry with father Caractacus Potts (Steve Wilson), who hits the right notes in portraying an eccentric, whimsical single parent and caring dad trying to raise his kids the best way he can while still trying to be his own person. The character -- and Wilson, the actor -- appear appropriately eccentric, as comfortable with his inventions as he is with his children. You get a sense of his normalacy after being introduced to the Baron (George Dvorsky) and the Baroness (Elizabeth Ward Land), the rulers of Vulgaria, the villains of the play, who draw laughter with their zany personalities and interactions.

But it's the Vulgarian spies, Boris (Dirk Lumbard) and Goran (Scott Cote), who offer the production's most over-the-top comedy with their physicality and evil laughter. When they are on stage, you know they are going to make you laugh. The two worked the audience during the opening of the second act with local references and quirky puns.

Director Ray Roderick, who adapted the musical for a touring show, is effective at keeping the story moving along with a sustainable energy through the end. The musical -- which premiered in London's West End in 2002 before transferring to Broadway in 2005 -- follows the plot of Ian Fleming's 1964 book The Magical Car, which was made into the much-loved 1968 movie.

About Chitty, that magical car: Along with other props, the special effects are effective at adding to the story without overshadowing the actors. It's easy to be distracted by the spectacle of oversized productions, but Roderick pays the right attention to both story and plot. For example, scenes with the dogs are kept simple enough to prevent anything unscripted but remain unexpected and funny enough to draw a reaction from the audience.

At its core, "Chitty" is a simple story of a family with little pretentiousness or irony. Thanks to skillful direction and a talented cast, the show provides an entertaining family night at the theater.


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