Musicals Blog

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