Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Our middle school play this year was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  Because 2 classes, the 9th and 10th graders, lost their middle school show Aladdin due to Covid, our director invited them to be a part of this production too.  So it was a play for 6th-10th graders, with upperclassmen serving as mentors.  Ella was a stage manager, while some of her drama friends did vocal coaching, hair and makeup, etc.  I love these shows where the gifts of literally every drama student in the middle and high school are being utilized!  My girls loved it because it gave them the opportunity to get to know the next crop of drama kids.  Delia became fast friends with all the 6th, 7th and 8th graders, forming tight bonds across class lines.   

The play was cute, the music was catchy, and Delia as the car delighted us with her facial expressions.  But, I must say that as far as story goes, this is an odd one.  My friend Donna summarized it like this: "Vulgaria, a kidnapper, a living car, a romance with little character development, and a bunch of soldiers who changed sides abruptly..."  The first time I saw it, I was a little lost honestly.  But, by the fourth show, we were genuinely laughing at the absurdity.

  

Of course we are biased, but Delia as the car stole the show for us!  She didn't have any lines, except to sing that iconic theme song over and over (she never wants to hear it again!).  All her acting was done entirely with her face and she was perfectly cast!

When she wasn't on stage as Chitty, she was a member of the chorus, singing and dancing to some of the big numbers like "Toot Sweets" and "Teamwork".

Cast pictures-- above the professional one, below the before-performance one featuring our favorite stage manager!  Ella kept things running smoothly backstage, was in charge of the finicky fog machine, helped with costume changes, and came on stage before the show with her friend Marina to introduce it with witty banter and pray for it.

All the freshman.

Stage sisters.  Delia was beside herself when our director told her she could keep the costume!  Guess we're set for Halloween now! ;)

This is so special to us.  Delia's Sunday School teacher, Mr. D., has not missed any of her plays this year!  He's been such a kind encourager!  We love that he always brings his grandson for a special date.

And a just a few of the new friends!  You know Delia has always run on the pure and innocent side.  I think a whole season to hang out with kids younger than her, who looked UP to her, was just wonderful for her!  She ranks this play as one of her best experiences.  And she joked with everyone that she feels qualified to nail any future role as an object.  For next year's Sound of Music she has her eye on the part of...THE HILLS! Haha!