This November the Don Bosco Oratory Theatre of Victoria will be staging one of the best-loved family musicals: Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang. This musical, written by the Sherman Brothers (Richard & Robert), is based on the cinema version of the children's book written by Ian Fleming. The cheerful music written by the Sherman Brothers (who gave us also another big musical "Mary Poppins"), combined with the fantastic car created by the inventor Potts, all make Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang a very attractive event for all the family.
The stage production of Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang had a resounding success when presented for the first time in London back in 2002, and later on in Broadway in 2005. And whilst as from that time Chitty has been doing the rounds around the world, before returning back to London in 2024, this year, thanks to the license and the relevant permits from Music Theatre International of London, as well as with the financial support of the Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the Ministry for Gozo, this same musical will be staged live in english on the stage of the Don Bosco Oratory Theatre in Gozo.
Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang is a two-hour production of good music, catchy songs and witty moments. Its best loved popular songs include: "Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang", "You Two", "Toot Sweets", "Hushabye Mountain" and "Me Ol' Bamboo", together with lots of other lovely evergreen songs. The best gozitan talent will be showcased in this musical together with a special guest artist from Malta. Ludwig Galea will be interpreting the main part of Caractacus Potts, while the young budding performing arts local sensation Clara Sciberras will play the other leading role of Truly Scrumptious. Other main parts will be played by Karl J. Buhagiar, George Camilleri, Jamie Camilleri, Maria Cassar, Matthias Mercieca and Ruth Portelli together with a 70-strong cast, including musicians and singers.
Antonella Rapa is the vocal director, whilst Mro. Mark Gauci is entrusted with the musical direction of Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang. Saviour Cremona is the artistic director of the show, the choreography is in the hands of Mario Grech and Frances Zammit, whilst the wardrobe mistress is Marisa Teuma helped with her collaborators. Production assistant is David Grech. The stage-set, once again, has been left under the supervision of the young artist Paul M. Cassar, helped by other volunteers of the Don Bosco Oratory.
The opening night of Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang will be on Saturday 11 November at 7.30pm, with a repeat performance on Sunday 12 November at 2.30pm (matinee show). Then there will be two other performances, one on Saturday 18 November at 7.30pm, and a last performance on Sunday 19 November at 5.30pm. This musical would be surely one of the best family musicals ever to be staged at the Don Bosco Oratory Theatre of Gozo.
Booking is now open. Tickets for Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang can be obtained from the Don Bosco Oratory of Gozo every day between 5 and 6pm, or else by calling on 21556616 or 99487751. Online booking is also available through the website donboscogozo.org.