VALDOSTA – Little Actors Theatre embraces a “fine, four-fendered friend” in its latest musical production.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is a live stage version based on the movie starring Dick Van Dyke as an inventor who creates an amazing car that can become a flying machine and a boat. The inventor, his children and the lady Truly Scrumptious face a spoiled baron who wants to steal the car and the malignant child catcher.

Diane Tovar, Little Actors Theatre director, said the stage version features songs from the movie as well as additional tunes.

And LAT has created a stage Chitty, a car “that floats on water and flies,” Tovar said.

For the stage version, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has a spirit, an actor, that sings songs, too.

For Tovar, the show marks a landmark of generations.

Reed Bailey acted in early LAT shows, such as “Tom Sawyer,” as a child, Tovar said. He’s now the Brooks County High School band director and serves as the musical director for “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”

LAT is dedicated to creating shows featuring children performing for children.

Tovar said “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” has a cast of about 17 youngsters. Many children play multiple roles.

THE CAST: Sally Kirkland, Delilah Perez, Chloe Barrentine, Luke Hiers, Michael Barrentine, Noah DeVine, Mia-Rae Barajas, Tristan Thomas, Rayne Dotson, Jazmin Johnson, Holley Lovering, Kassidy Hansen, Rebekah McGee, Katie Hansen, Keely Hansen, Rebecca McGee, Megan Whitely, Isabella Monita, Rosemary McGee

DIRECTION, PRODUCTION: Diane Tovar, director; Whitney Monita, assistant director; Reed Bailey, music director; Isaiah Harris, choreographer; Will Burrous, sound/music; Paul Kirkland, Mike Barrentine, Sandra Hannah, set design & construction; Marie Kirkland, printing; Liz Hatcher, costume mistress.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME

Little Actors Theatre presents “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”

When: 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2; 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3.

Where: Old Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center, 3101 N. Forrest St.

Tickets: $12, adult; $10, senior, children.

More information: Visit littleactorstheatrevaldosta.com.