Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

ACT I
As the lights dim in the auditorium the “Overture” begins after which the blue sky and white clouds melt to reveal the crowds cheering the Monaco Grand Prix of 1909 (“Opening”). As the crowds disperse after the horrendous crash, years later our former champion car is revealed on a junk pile, driven by Jeremy and Jemima Potts who want to save the Paragon Panther from being melted down for scrap. Mr. Coggins promises the car is theirs if their father can raise forty shillings in two days time. After meeting Jeremy and Jemima, Truly Scrumptious takes the two children in the side car of her motorcycle home to the windmill in which the Potts family resides among various failed inventions. Caractacus Potts, the inventor, tells his children how important they are to him (“You Two”). The children explain that they need forty shillings to save their old car. Grandpa Potts tells his son he will invent something that will work … one day (“Them Three”), and then discovers the sweets he has just made have a unique quality.

Caractacus and the children request an audience with Lord Scrumptious at the Scrumptious Sweet Factory. After meeting Truly Scrumptious again … she gets Caractacus the vital break he needs … an introduction (“Toot Sweets”). However, the piercing whistles from the toot sweets attract dogs from around the area which break into the factory and cause havoc.

Meanwhile Boris and Goran, the two spies working for the Baron and Baroness Bomburst of Vulgaria, determined to steal the secret mechanism rumored to be responsible for the success of the Paragon Panther racing car, watch over the Potts family, knowing the children want the car for themselves. They discuss how to blend into English Society so as not to stand out in a crowd (“Think Vulgar!”).

It is night time and Caractacus assures Jeremy and Jemima he will find a way to get forty shillings to save their car from being destroyed. He sings the children to sleep (“Hushabye Mountain”). The children fall asleep, floating off into a land of dreams (“Come to the Funfair”) as Caractacus leaves the mill with his hair-cutting machine to join the funfair, which has just arrived in town. The machine is not a success, and in order to avoid a physical confrontation with a dissatisfied customer – now bald –, he finds himself hiding amongst the local Morris dancers performing “Me Ol’ Bamboo.” The local turkey farmer pays Caractacus for his machine as he sees other uses for the invention.

Having now purchased the wreck, Caractacus works around the clock whilst the children and Grandpa busy themselves with the housework (“Posh”).

The day of reckoning arrives and the new car, sparkling and gleaming, is revealed to all. They decide to go on a picnic with Truly, so “the family” jumps into the newly-named “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and drive to the beach.

The children comment on how delighted they are with their new friend (“Truly Scrumptious”), and at the end of a day in which bonds are made and romance begins to blossom, they want to head back home, but discover they are trapped by the incoming tide (“Nautical Reprise”). Baron Bomburst’s warship descends upon Chitty ready to capture her and take her back to Vulgaria, but again the car surprises everyone with its ability to float!

By mistake the Baron’s airship captures Grandpa Potts to take him to Vulgaria thinking he is the famous inventor capable of creating magical cars. However, Chitty makes chase, unfortunately driving over Beachy Head only to reveal another hidden asset (“Chitty Takes Flight”) saving Caractacus and family once again. They head towards Vulgaria to rescue Grandpa.

ACT II
In Vulgarian Town Square the townspeople, along with the Baron and Baroness Bomburst, welcome the arrival of Mr. Potts the inventor – or so they think (“Vulgarian National Anthem”). Grandpa is somewhat confused but soon realizes he is in a place that tolerates neither children nor failure. To test his knowledge of inventions, the Baron insists that Grandpa Potts, with the help of the local inventors, make the Royal Car a magical one (“The Roses of Success”). Chitty flies overhead just before the Baron attempts to have Grandpa shot, and a welcoming party is sent to find the car and its passengers.

Caractacus, Truly, Jeremy and Jemima befriend the Toymaker who warns them that children are forbidden in Vulgaria; they have all been captured by the Childcatcher who patrols the streets (“Kiddy-Widdy-Winkies”). The Toymaker hides the family in his toy shop where he is building the toys for the Baron’s birthday. The Childcatcher however tricks Jeremy and Jemima, and captures them whilst Caractacus and the Toymaker visit the Vulgarian children that have been saved and hidden away from the evil henchman.

Under the town in the sewers, Caractacus meets the pathetic creatures, hungry and cold. He is interrupted by Truly who has climbed down into the sewers to tell everyone of Jeremy and Jemima’s impending fate. They all decide to band together to save the day (“Teamwork”) and hatch a plan.

The Baron and Baroness get ready for the birthday party (“Chu-Chi Face”) swiftly followed by Bombie’s birthday surprise (“The Bombie Samba”). After infiltrating the party Caractacus and Truly, disguised as dolls (“Doll on a Music Box/Truly Scrumptious”), lead the attack on the Palace guards. After finding Jeremy, Jemima and Grandpa with the help of Chitty (“You Two/Chitty Prayer”), the family fly off into the night with Vulgaria a happier place without the forces of evil ruling over the people (“Chitty Flies Home”) and everyone lives happily ever after!