Director James Keith Posey is presenting another family friendly musical with the Pike Road Theatre Company. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming [yes, the "James Bond" Ian Fleming] is based on a popular film, and with a catchy musical score and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Mr. Posey is abetted by Kim Isbell's clever choreography, Jordan Hollett's intricate scenic designs [including a remarkable car], and Emily Blossom's vibrant costumes. It's an enjoyable evening's entertainment.
Though the recorded musical score and the actors voices are over amplified and need to achieve a better balance for vocal clarity, the story and themes are clear. And they are a fine ensemble of adult and youth actors.
Caractacus Potts [an earnest Kevin Morton] lets his children Jeremy [Lucas Damato] and Jemima [London White] play in an antique racecar the has seen better days, though it was once a famous Grand Prix winner. With times being hard, the garage owner sells the car for spare parts; so the Potts family -- including Grandpa [Lee Bridges is a delight], and new-to-the-scene and Potts's love-interest Truly Scrumptious [Kaylee Baker in fine voice and demeanor] -- set out to get it back...no easy task.
It winds up with greedily entitled Baron Bomburst [Sam Wallace] and Baroness Bomburst [Rachel Pickering], who provide a hilarious double-act with their posturing. -- And two clumsy and a bit dimwitted spies [Tanner Parrish and Nick Swartz] get in the way frequently in their bumbling fashion.
While on their quest, they are hindered by the Child Catcher [Travis Clark might frighten any little ones in the audience], and aided by the Toymaker [Jason Isbell] who with Grandpa's intervention sets everything on a smooth path to return the car to the Potts family, and also free a lot of children from captivity.
Of course, the title tune takes center-stage; and other memorable renditions of "Truly Scrumptious", "Hushabye Mountain", "Chu-Chi Face", "Posh", "Me Ol' Bamboo", and "Teamwork" carry the plot and develop character relationships.
And the theme of family bonds that triumph over all provides a healing balm. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang hits all the right notes.
