Arts & Entertainment

'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' Flies Into Moorestown

The Moorestown Theater Company's eight-show engagement is the group's main production of the year.

When Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s magical car soars across the stage this weekend, it will represent the embodiment of Moorestown Theater Company’s slogan: “Where families have fun performing musical theater together.”

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the theater company’s annual main stage production, or the “big show,” as participants call it. For eight years, it’s been a requirement that any children participating in the big show also have an adult relative on stage.

The practice started as a way to wrangle enthusiastic young thespians after a 90-person cast turned out for Annie in the theater company’s first year. But, says Moorestown Theater Company producing artistic director Mark Morgan, the tradition has morphed into something much more special.

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“There’s no better feeling than to do something with your child that makes you equal to them,” said Morgan, who is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s producer and director and plays the part of Mr. Coggins. “When you do a show together, you learn the same dance steps and songs. You’re putting on costumes backstage. You’re co-equals in this production.

“There aren’t too many times we get to be co-equals with our children.”

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The rule—which applies to all cast members under 12—has brought together many parent-child pairings. This year’s production also includes grandparents and grandchildren and an aunt-niece pair.

Plus, Morgan noted, it has drawn a local celebrity. Channel 6 Action News’ Rick Williams, his wife Jocelyn and their son, Nicholas, are part of the cast, as they have been for several productions now.

“Rick approached me about getting his child involved and I told him about our rule,” Morgan recalled. Williams auditioned, thinking he’d take a background role in The King and I in 2008. “But when I heard him, I said, ‘Nope, you’re our king.’”

Williams plays the tyrannical, childish Baron in Chitty. Jocelyn Williams plays opposite him on some nights as the Baroness. Like many roles, the Baroness is double cast; “gold” and “black” cast lists share the wealth among the main roles.

Chitty’s 74-person cast also includes some other notable area names, including Mayor John Button and former Mayor Kevin Aberant as the Toymaker.

“We have our current Republican mayor and the former Democratic mayor sharing that role, so you can pick a cast based on your politics,” joked Morgan. Either way, Morgan added, audience members likely will recognize people on stage, as the cast hails from Moorestown, Cinnaminson and other surrounding towns.

Morgan promises a fun night out for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang audiences. Between “classic American musical” tunes, a 13-piece orchestra and the eponymous car, Morgan said the show feels both familiar and thrilling.

“It’s a fun, fun show,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to spend money than seeing a show together. It’s a great night out for families.”

 

If You Go

When: July 14-16 and 21-23 at 7 p.m., July 17 and 23 at 2 p.m.

Where: William Allen Middle School, 801 N. Stanwick Rd., Moorestown

Tickets: Adults, $20; 65+ and teens, $15; pre-teens, $10

Good to know: The July 17 and 23 matinees will have sign language interpreters. Plus, at the July 17 show, the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia will bring its Philly Theatre Casting Couch to the show. Local theater celebrities will interview audience and cast members about their theater experience for videos posted on the alliance’s website.


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