Theater FOR Kids BY Kids Took Flight Opening Night of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Skills and Spirits Soar
Last Night was opening night for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - the wonderful musical of imagination and invention by the same composers who gave us Mary Poppins, based on the story by Ian ("James Bond") Fleming.
And the show took flight!
A great audience, an exuberant cast, 200+/- costume pieces; 287 props, 200+ light cues and great direction, musical direction, and choreography made it happen. 4 more shows over the next 2 days Find out more here (Box office opens for in person sales 1 hr prior to showtime)
Check out this feature video created by David Smith of The Times Argus. He captures the spirti and goals brilliantly:
Kudos to director Aly Perry, musical director Randall Pierce, choreographer Taryn Noelle, stage manager Melissa Troxler, properties designer Laura Gist, costuemer Cora Fauser, light designer Thomas Gunn and technical director Janine Woods, alsong with the cast and entire technical team & volunteers for mounting this show!
Here's the full stoy too:
Montpelier, VT: Lost Nation Theater, proudly presents its Young Company in the Grand Musical Adventure: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG based on the novel by Ian Fleming, with music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman (composers of Mary Poppins)
“Never Say No To Adventures!” Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a truly scrumptious treat for the whole family!
The culminating project of LNT’s Youth Music-Theater program It’s Theater FOR Kids, BY Kids! Fri –Sun, August 12 –14 at City Hall Arts Center, in downtown Montpelier.
Ian Fleming (of James Bond fame!) created Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as abedtime storyfor his son Caspar. It’s a tale of a magical car that flies, floats and even thinks. This delightful tale follows that car - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (named for the sounds it makes when it drives) and its owners, the Potts family, as they embark upon adventures, and flights of fancy, that take them to the sky, the sea and beyond!
Can the lovable but whacky inventor, Caractacus Potts, his two children and the big-hearted Truly Scrumptious (on an adventure to the country of Vulgaria) outwit the bombastic Baron Bomburst who has decreed that all children be banished from his kingdom? What happens when the children are caught and imprisoned with the other youngsters by the evil Child Catcher? Will it all end happily-ever-after? Well, of course it will!
The 1968 musical film starring Dick Van Dyke (and from the same team that created Mary Poppins) made the story an enduring classic for children and adults alike. The stage show, which appeared in 2002, continues to bring Ian Fleming’s vision to life. Now LNT's most advanced students, led by a terrific directing/design team create their unique ensemble production! You’ve got 5 chances to see it over 3 days, Aug. 12-14.
The show features 18 rising stars, age 12-19, supported by backstage slights of hand by technical wizards in training, making this performance truly “Theater FOR Kids, BY Kids”! It’s imaginative, inventive, inspiring and entertaining theater everyone, no matter what age, can enjoy! (If your child is easily scared, please prepare them – especially for the child catcher!)
Many Chitty Chitty Bang Bang actors are LNT Youth veterans or have already been on LNT’s mainstage- or both! 2016’s Young Company of actors and technicians (from across the country) include: Stella Best, Ella Bradley, Christianna Cecere, Anna Maria DiPietropaolo, Maya Garrett, Grace Hardaker, Delanee Hill, Trubel Jeffries, Olivia Knight, Bailey Morse, Caroline Murray, Alexandra Ordway, MaryAnn Songhurst, Taylor Stevens, Erin Sullivan, Sam Watson, Sara Wolfey. All went through a rigorous audition-interview process to become part of the ensemble.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is directed by Alyson Perry. Aly is the education director for VSC and teaches drama in middle schools in Burlington. Most recently with LNT, she directed 2015’s Pippin and was choreographer for Eurydice. Musical direction is by Randall Pierce whose resume includes musical direction for The Flynn, and St. Michael’s Playhouse. Choreography is in the talented hands (and feet) of Taryn Noelle (one of Vermont’s most sought after artists) and Costume Design is by Cora Fauser (Hairspray). Technical Direction is by Janine Woods. Atmospheric setting & lighting designs are by Donna Stafford and Thomas Gunn. Melissa Troxler and Laura Gist handle the daunting and detailed stage management and properties design tasks with aplomb!
About her cast, director Perry says, “These kids are awesome! Enormously driven and focused, they make bold choices and take risks. I encourage you to come see the inventiveness of our young theater makers.”
Just 5 shows! 7pm Fri Aug 12; 2pm & 7pm, Sat Aug 13; and 11am & 2pm Sun Aug 14. Running time: 75+/- minutes.
Tickets are just $10. And only $5 for Kids 11 years of age and under (including toddlers-we recommend age 5 & up).
It all happens Fri., Sat., & Sun, August 12, 13 & 14 at Lost Nation Theater – 2nd Floor, City Hall.
Get Tickets at the door! (1 hour before curtain). Or Call! Or get tickets at the City Clerk’s Office on the first floor of Montpelier City Hall. For tickets & information: call 802-229-0492, or visit lostnationtheater.org
City Hall Arts Center (39 Main Street Montpelier) is wheel chair accessible. LNT offers assisted listening and large print programs. Service dogs always welcome. Please inform the box office of any special needs when purchasing tickets.
Lost Nation Theater is sponsored by National Life Group, Capitol Copy, City of Montpelier, WDEV, The Times Argus, and The Point-FM. LNT’s Youth Programs receive special support from Alan Weiss, and Vermont Mutual Insurance