Alhambra to Open CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

To celebrate 50 years one of the world's favorite films, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the musical of the same name will open June 13, 2018 at the iconic Alhambra Theatre & Dining. Audiences of all ages will be flying high with the show's mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will take guests on a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas.

Filled with amazing stage spectacle and unforgettable songs, including the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming's children's book,), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find "Truly Scrumptious."

Can the loveable but whacky inventor, Potts, along with his two children and the gorgeous Truly Scrumptious outwit the bombastic Baron Bomburst who has decreed that all children be banished from his kingdom? What happens when the children are caught and imprisoned with the other youngsters by the evil Child Catcher? Will it all end happily-ever-after?

About Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Originally billed as "the most phantasmagorical musical in the history of everything," Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a fantastic musical adventure featuring an out-of-this world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. It tells the story of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts who, with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima, and the ever-lovely Truly Scrumptious, sets about saving a former Grand Prix-winning race car from the scrap heap.

Soon they discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight! After word gets out about its extraordinary abilities, trouble ensues when the evil Baron Bomburst decides he wants it all to himself, launching Caractacus, Jeremy, Jemima, and Truly on a series of high-flying high jinx to save the miraculous motorcar.

Originally written as a novel for young adults by famed James Bond author and creator, Ian Fleming, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was adapted by Roald Dahl into a quirky but charming script for the hit 1968 MGM motion picture. The film transformed the story into a musical by adding songs written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, composers of several Disney classics including Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and The Aristocats, among others.

When adapting the show for London's West End in 2002, producers were faced with the daunting prospect of bringing the indomitable personality of Chitty to life - including seeing the car take flight and set sail - live on stage. The Alhambra now faces similar challenges for its production. Designed, developed and built by Alhambra Set Designer Ian Black and Technical Director, Dave Dionne, the resulting "flying car" will not disappoint (but the secrets cannot be revealed just yet). The London production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, ran a record-setting three and one half years and was nominated for two Olivier® awards. In 2005, the Broadway production of the show received five Tony® Award nominations, 10 Outer Critics Circle® Award nominations, and four Drama Desk nominations.

Chitty Chitty Bang bang runs June 13, 2018 through July 29, 2018. Alhambra tickets start at just $35 for children under 15, and include a three-course meal that changes for each show, a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking. Please note, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang begins at 7:30 for evening performances with doors opening at 5:00 for dinner service. In addition to the traditional menu options, there will be a special children's buffet for younger guests. The Alhambra Theatre & Dining is located at 12000 Beach Blvd in Jacksonville, FL. Tickets can be purchases on line at www.alhambrajax.com or by calling 904.641.1212.