Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
by Claire J Rottenberg
"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was the second Disney film
to star the gifted Broadway, and later TV, performer,
Dick van Dyke. As with the earlier "Mary Poppins,"
the 1968 film used Broadway performers for most of
the major roles, including hiring Sally Ann Howes to
play the female lead.
The stage version of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" first
played in London in 2002 and it was very successful,
running until 2005. The Broadway version in 2005 was
not nearly as popular, lasting only for 285
performances with 34 previews. Both stage versions
had well-known and accomplished actors playing the
lead role - Michael Ball in London and Raul Esparza
on Broadway.
The songs for both the movie and stage versions of
"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" were written by the Sherman
Brothers (Richard and Robert), of "Mary Poppins"
fame. Only one song from the movie version was
eliminated in the stage version - "Lovely, Lonely
Man" - and six new songs were written specifically
for the play.
Neither the film version nor the Broadway version of
"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" received the critical
acclaim or nearly as many award nominations as "Mary
Poppins." The film version was nominated for only one
Academy Award (Best Music, Original Song for the
title song) but the Broadway version did receive 5
Tony nominations. However, three of the nominations
were for performances and none of the nominees
won.
Even though "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was not the
critical or financial success of "Mary Poppins," it
is still an enjoyable film for children and
adults.
Information Source
Wikipedia - Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang