Theatre Bristol presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Theatre Bristol presents the spectacular “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the Paramount Center for the Arts, weekends June 22 through July 1. Directed by Kenn Naegele, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” features a flying car and a cast of 56 talented performers, plus dogs, from around the region. Tickets can be purchased at www.ParamountBristol.org.

“Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s children’s book, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (‘Mary Poppins’), ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is one family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find ‘Truly Scrumptious.’

“Filled with amazing stage spectacle and unforgettable songs, including the Academy Award-nominated title song, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is a high-flying, fun-filled adventure for the entire family,” according to MTI Shows. Theatre Bristol shares the flying motorcar adventure on the 50th anniversary of the movie release" and presents a feel-good story that is ultimately about the power of family and the bonds created to overcome any obstacle.

Director Kenn Naegele has performed in and directed more than 60 productions in his career in New York State and Tennessee. He most recently directed Theatre Bristol’s “Annie” and “South Pacific.” Music director Steve Davis is a music and voice teacher, retired church music minister and producer. He was the director of Theatre Bristol’s musical “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” and was music director for the musical “Annie” this past fall.

The production team includes stage manager Nicole Intagliata, costumer Camille Gray, choreographer Khyra Lowe, dance captains Camille Gray and Cameron Roberts, properties mistress and vocal captain Anna Kimerer, dialect coach Rachel Swartz, crew Steve Baskett, Ken Cornett, Delbert Hall, Cindi Brooks, Paul Pratt, David Maloney, Matthew Maloney, Beverly Moody, Albert Tester, Daniel Tester, Beverly Moody, Ava White, Marley Hillman, Devon White, Sarah Tilley, Terra White, Temmy Roberts, Tara Tolbert and producer Samantha Gray.

Inventor Caractacus Potts is played by Tyler Bishop, and Truly Scrumptious is played by Makenna Arnold. Steve Baskett portrays the eccentric Grandpa Potts. Dan Gray is Baron Bomburst, and Libby Wickman is Baroness Bomburst. Roger Cassell and Jake Price portray spies Boris and Goran. Potts’ children are Zaiah Gray as Jeremy and Ella Combs as Jemima. Steve Humphrey portrays the sly Childcatcher, and John Runde the lovable Toymaker. Andrew Hunt is Lord Scrumptious, and Marilyn Tagert is Miss Phillips. Rick Hawkins is garage owner Coggins, and Luke Gray is the Junkman. Funfair tourists, Fred Balding is Sidney, and Camille Gray is Violet. The Turkey Farmer is Matthew Coonley.

The English crowd, candy factory staff, Vulgarian court and soldiers, inventors and Morris Men ensemble includes Arjan Bakshi, Tracey Brooks, Matthew Coonley, Jim Hale, Tessa Harmon, Anna Kimerer, Jada O’Quinn, Frank Read, Cameron Roberts, Aaron Sharp, Daniel Tester, Kiera McManus, Angela Miller, Haleigh Tilley and Maliah Tilley.

The Vulgarian children include Erica LaFollette as the Teamwork girl, Braden Mitchell as the Teamwork boy, Ethan Boothe as Stephen, Whitney Brooks as Greta, Kyla Dula as Susan, Garrett Humphrey as Toby, along with Marley Bishop, Chloe Campbell, Lola Chafatelli, Abigail Combs, Hannah Coonley, Madilyn Coonley, Addison Lowe, Bailey Lowe, Riley Lowe, Baleigh McKeehan, Raina Moody, Sosie Spires, Alice Tester, Lucy Tester, Hunter Tilley, Ryleigh Tolbert, Avery White and Mason White.

Taffy Combs is Edison, the Potts’ dog.

“Bringing this beloved musical to the stage at the Paramount is a very exciting undertaking,” said Naegele. “We have a superb cast and production team working to make this a spectacular and unforgettable production.”

The production opens June 22, and runs for two weekends at the Paramount Center for the Arts, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., closing on July 1. Tickets are $16 for adults plus fees and $12 for seniors and students plus fees, and are available at www.ParamountBristol.org.

For more information, visit Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.