Helias Catholic High School is presenting the British musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," and according to director Joyce Weber it is the first time it has been performed in this area.
This is the story of the Potts family and their effort to rebuild an old car that they find has magical powers. A Bulgarian learns of the powers of the car and tries to take it from the family, and the ensuing plot emphasizes family relations and spirit.
Audiences will remember the film version that starred Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes.
The play is based on a novel by James Bond author Jan Fleming and contains many of the quirky effects that the Bond movies had.
The cast is large with 47 members on stage. There is also a canine in the show, featuring a British Labrador owned by Chris Malmstrom, who is a teacher at Helias and is training the dog for stage work.
"There are lots of special effects and surprises throughout the show, many made possible from loans from other theater groups," Weber said.
Weber said a production this large and complicated could not be done without the support of the school administration and the parents.
"This is a family show based on the feel-good powers of family and of overcoming obstacles. Come and join the cast and crew for an exciting evening of theater," Weber said.
The show is March 11-13, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday, at Miller Performing Arts Center in Jefferson City. Tickets are available at 573-635-6193.