It\u2019s a car. It\u2019s a song. It\u2019s a movie. It\u2019s a pop up book.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s \u201cChitty Chitty Bang Bang!\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also the latest production of the Children\u2019s Theatre of Long Beach, now playing on the Ernest Borgnine Stage at the Scottish Rites Temple in downtown Long Beach. This small theater troupe puts on a delightful rendering of the 1968 movie somehow smooshed into a pop up book and less than two hours.<\/p>\n
Children\u2019s Theatre CEO Sean McMullen, who designed the set, said the production was inspired by finding the pop up book version of Ian Fleming\u2019s (yes, the James Bond Ian Fleming) fairy tale written for his grandchildren. The whimsical cardboard-like sets and props fit right in with the often over-the-top (and hilarious) performances, particularly by the supporting cast.<\/p>\n
For the few who don\u2019t know the story, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a magical car restored by gentle inventor Caractacus Potts \u2013 who also happens to be a widowed father of two cute kids. Enter wealthy candy heiress Truly Scrumptious (truly!), and both hijinks and romance ensue.<\/p>\n
Remember, this is children\u2019s theater, and Karlin Herring and Brently Bowler drive the show as Jemima and Jeremy Potts. They egg on dad Caractacus (Michael Taber) both to rebuild the car and to romance Truly (Grace Juell).<\/p>\n
The kids do an amazing job reciting lines, hitting their marks and singing songs with the sweet innocence of child stars in the making. I suspect both Taber and Juell have done this sort of thing before \u2013 their singing voices and presentation are professional quality. Taber\u2019s \u201cHushabye Mountain\u201d lullaby was a gem.<\/p>\n
Kudos to the adult support cast, covering several roles and setting the properly absurd tone for the silly sequences. I was happy to see several more child actors make it on stage for the finale, too.<\/p>\n
And those special effects were incredible! Children\u2019s theater-incredible, but incredible all the same. I won\u2019t spoil the surprise. Just remember that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can not only drive on water, but fly as well!<\/p>\n
This is a great outing for kids, their parents and kids at heart. There\u2019s still time to catch the show.<\/p>\n
There are 7 p.m. Friday evening performances on Feb. 27 and March 6, as well as 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays for the next two weekends. Tickets range from $12 to $33.<\/p>\n