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REVIEW

It isn’t often an inanimate object steals the stage in a big-budget musical.

The flying car in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” personifies the fun and fantasy that colors Ian Fleming’s writing. The complex children’s story makes heroes out of half the cast as the central Potts family takes down the evil leaders of Vulgaria with the help of a floating, flying car.

Yet the tragic part of this comedy is that the musical’s spectacle, colorful costumes and ensemble dance numbers can’t overcome its weak character development and a lead performance that falls flat.

Supporting characters propel the show with physical comedy and cornball jokes. A blend of standup and plot development by Boris and Gordon (played by Dirk Lumbard and Scott Cote) entertains the audience as stagehands prepare the elaborate sets.

A cast of children, dogs and a chillingly perfect performance by the Childcatcher (Oliver Wadsworth) round out the larger-than-life comedic drama.

The traveling show carries the gist of the popular 1960s movie. But it lacks the warm presence of lead Dick Van Dyke, who brought the children’s classic a sense of authenti-city in the face of living dolls and great balloons.

Lead Steve Wilson as Caractacus Potts brings sophistication and polish to the role, and even a sense of reverence for Van Dyke’s great performance. But more often than not his delivery is stifled and out of place in the campy show.

Theater buffs may not be able to get past the shortcomings of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Families with young kinds stand to enjoy its visual entertainment, which is like that of a three-ring circus. And the car is really cool.

—Julie Leupold

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