Chitty to start with a Bang – First performance tonight, Sydney

The much anticipated Australian premiere season of hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang begins tonight at the Captiol Theatre Sydney, ahead of a gala opening on Saturday.

An Australian company of over 80, lead by Australia’s darling of the stage Rachael Beck and leading man of opera and theatre David Hobson, have been working tirelessly with director Rodger Hodgman to bring the much loved story to life live on stage and tonight audiences will see Chitty in action for the first time.

“We are so excited for the first performance tonight”, producer Tim Lawson said this morning.

“The cast is nothing short of a producer’s and I am sure, audience’s dream, bringing Chitty’s beloved characters and spirit to life.”

With music and lyrics by the Sherman brothers, the musical is based on MGM’s 1968 motion picture of the same name, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams and Ray Roderick. The Australian premiere season will play for 10 weeks only at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre and acording to Lawson, advance ticket sales have been exceptional. The show will transfer to Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre for a 10 week season in early 2013, but at this stage no further tour has been announced.

Hailed as the most ‘fantasmagorical stage musical in the history of everything’, and with a familiar story and songs, the show is sure to appeal to families and theatre pundits alike.

Lawson believes the show is in wonderful shape and is thrilled to present the work to the public.

“Roger Hodgman’s direction is, as always, superlative – he has brought out the very best in the adventurous story”, he said.

“There is so much to enjoy and with unprecedented advance sales, the Australian premiere of Chitty is certainly opening with a Bang!”

Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster and more information can be found at chittychitty.com.au