By John Lyle Belden
Carmel Apprentice Theatre is a resident company at, naturally, The Cat venue in downtown Carmel. Everyone who shows up for rehearsal gets a part, as well as mentored by the more experienced performers. This makes for a relaxed easy-going atmosphere on and behind the stage that translates easily to the audience. In this mode, it’s good to take on a production that welcomes aspects of the silly and unreal.
CAT now presents the stage version of the musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” based on the book and movie by James Bond creator Ian Fleming. It originated in stories the author told his children, into which he couldn’t help but add some kid-friendly international intrigue. This translated well into the 1968 film musical starring Dick Van Dyke. Music and lyrics are by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, the story adapted by Jeremy Sams from the script by Roald Dahl and Ken Hughes.
To keep things going smoothly, stage veterans take key roles including Evan Wang as inventor Caractacus Potts, Brook-Glen Gober as sweets heiress Truly Scrumptious, Duane Leatherman as Grandpa Potts, Allison Hermann as the rebellious Vulgarian Toymaker, and Hannah Janowicz as the sinister Childcatcher. Other roles have two or even three actors in rotation, while others are in the chorus or dancers. Notable performances include Gober’s precision recreation of the music box scene, and the antics of David Ralstin and Elaine Endris as bumbling Vulgar spies Goran and Boris. Hopefully you will be at a performance with Leroy Delph, looking like a cartoonish king from a playing card, as the immature Vulgarian ruler Baron Bomburst.
And yes, there is the car! Locally fabricated by Scott Osborn of Brown Hound Studios, “Chitty” is an excellent recreation of the movie’s automobile. Does it really float and fly? You’ll have to see for yourself, but don’t forget to say “Please!” when you ask.
Will Wood directs, with Wang as music director, Ashley Thibodeau the choreographer, and Amanda Lund stage manager.
Featuring classic songs including “Toot Sweets,” “Hushabye Mountain,” “Me Ol’ Bamboo,” and, of course, the title tune, this production is as delightful as a seaside picnic by your favorite roadster. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 19 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way (a couple of blocks south of Main St. in the Arts & Design District), Carmel. Get info and tickets at thecat.biz.