2009 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

What do 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' and James Bond have in common? How about both a writer and a producer? When James Bond creator Ian Fleming was recovering from an illness, he wrote the children's novel. The producer of the Bond films, Albert Broccoli, produced the film of 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' as well. While the movie clearly sold a huge number of tickets, no one foresaw in 1968 that this delightful children's musical would make a big splash in London and on Broadway more than thirty years later.

'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' is the story of a magical flying car created by Professor Caractacus Potts, played on Broadway by Raúl Esparza. The musical features a new adaptation by Jeremy Sams that has closer ties to the film than the film did to the novel. Thus, everyone who saw the film will be pleased to see their favorite scenes reenacted on the stage. Richard and Robert Sherman, who wrote the musical score for the film (and received an Oscar nomination for the title song) have added new songs for the stage musical.

In addition to the Raúl Esparza character, Truly Scrumptious is played by Erin Dilly, Grandpa Potts is Philip Bosco, and the evil Baron and Baroness are Marc Kudisch and Jan Maxwell. With incredible stage design and effects, the musical rivals the film for laughs and visual delights.

Whether you grew up watching 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' on film or are just now discovering this joyous musical, you will be glad you took the time to see this show on Broadway. Your only impediment may be the difficulty in getting tickets, so don't delay in getting yours now.