February 22, 2024
Story and photos by Joe Vinduska
The ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ Theatre Department will present the time-honored classic musical βChitty Chitty Bang Bang,β by Jeremy Sams, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 and March 1 and 2, and at 2 p.m. March 2 and 3 in the Fine Arts Auditorium, and tickets are only available in advance. For more ticket information, visit .
ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ Director of Theatrical Activities Dan Williams said those planning the event all enjoyed βChitty Chitty Bang Bangβ as children, and they wanted to produce a family-friendly musical that would appeal to all ages.
βIt is important to ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ Theatre to produce shows that the ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ community will support with their time and talents,β he said. βWhen we brought up the idea of producing βChitty Chitty Bang Bangβ we were very happy to find that our local theatre supporters got very excited and wanted to take part. This show has a large cast of a wide variety of age groups. This is very important to ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ Theatre and its future.β
Community member Aprille Ullerick of Great Bend plays the role of the baroness and has been a part of several other ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ Theatre productions.
βThis will be my fifth production with the ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ Theatre Department,β she said. βSomething about the people you get to work with and giving the audience joy as they watch the shows continues to bring me back time and time again. The show has a magical quality that pulls you in. The music, the characters, and the storyline are great for all ages. Be prepared to laugh, hum along with the popular songs, and be drawn in by all the magical and fun characters throughout the show.β
ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ Theatre not only provides opportunities for ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ students and adult community members but also provides roles for younger theatre enthusiasts as well, such as Olivia Dick, a ten-year-old thespian from St. John who plays the role of one of the children of Vulgaria.
βThis is my first theatre experience with the ΊμΠΣΚΣΖ΅ Theatre Program,β she said. βI have enjoyed being on stage with a very talented cast and crew. Seeing all the different elements of the show come together is very interesting to me. If you enjoy music and dancing, you will love watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It is funny, musical, and has a magical car.Μύ I love all of the singing and dancing in this show. Those are two of my favorite things, and I really like the teamwork scene and making new friends.β
For more information, visit , or contact Williams at williamsd@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9205.