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✨ Review: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. Flies High at Conejo Players Youth Theatre
🎭 The Conejo Players Youth Theatre is bringing magic, music, and a little motorized mayhem to Thousand Oaks with its charming production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. Based on Ian Fleming’s beloved story (which inspired the MGM film starring Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes), this delightful junior adaptation is running for two short weekends through September 29, 2019, and it’s an absolute treat for the whole family.
With its upbeat score by the legendary Sherman Brothers (best known for Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book), this youth-led production captures the whimsy, warmth, and wonder of the original story while tailoring the experience for younger audiences.
🚗 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. is a Magical Story with Heart
The musical follows Caractacus Potts, a quirky inventor and devoted single dad, played with classic charm by John Michael Tedrick (younger brother of Hairspray‘s McKenna Tedrick). With the help of his equally lovable children, Jeremy and Jemima (portrayed by Peter Umipig and Olivia Marcum, respectively), and their adventurous Grandpa (Max Baxter), Potts rescues a broken-down race car—Chitty—and discovers it has a few magical surprises of its own.
Trouble arises when the evil Baron and Baroness Bomburst (played with hilarious flair by Theo Chambers and Sarah Hatfield) set their sights on Chitty for their own nefarious purposes. Alongside the courageous Truly Scrumptious (the vocally gifted Abigail Reeves), the Potts family must outwit a band of spies (Sabrina Silva, Lily Gentry) and the infamous Child Catcher (Asher Mitchell).
🌟 Standout Performances Light Up the Stage at Conejo Players
The entire cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. brings infectious energy and sincerity to the stage, but a few performances truly shine:
Olivia Marcum, who stole hearts as Matilda in 5-Star Theatricals’ production, once again captivates with her joyful presence and expressive acting. Costumed adorably by Beth Eslick, she lights up every scene she’s in.
Peter Umipig is a fantastic counterpart to Marcum, offering a grounded, charming performance as her brother.
John Michael Tedrick channels classic Dick Van Dyke energy in his portrayal of Caractacus, with a warmth that anchors the family dynamic.
Abigail Reeves brings poise and vocal polish to Truly Scrumptious, especially in the sweet duet “Truly Scrumptious.”
And the laughs? Oh, they come in spades thanks to Sarah Hatfield and Theo Chambers, whose chemistry as the villainous-yet-hilarious Baron and Baroness nearly steals the show. Their performance of “Chu-Chi Face” is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Sabrina Silva also earns standout praise as a comic scene-stealing spy—her timing is pitch-perfect and a joy to watch.
🎶 Music, Magic & Movement
Under the musical direction of Michael Kronenberg, the show’s iconic numbers like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “Toot Sweets” burst with enthusiasm. Katelyn Norman’s choreography makes great use of the young cast’s energy, while John Eslick’s handcrafted Chitty car adds a wow-factor that delights both kids and adults alike.
Director Noah Terry (making his directorial debut after years in the Conejo theatre scene) should feel incredibly proud of this polished and playful production.
Special kudos to ensemble members Mia Brown and Julia Kirkpatrick, who deliver a scene-stealing finale as they outwit the Child Catcher in a clever twist that leaves the audience cheering.
🙌 Family-Friendly Fun with a Gentle Approach
For parents concerned about the Child Catcher storyline—it’s been significantly shortened and handled with sensitivity. The message remains intact without overwhelming younger viewers. At just 60 minutes with no intermission, the production is perfectly paced for families and younger children.
🎟 Show Info & Ticket Details
Show: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.
Presented by: Conejo Players Youth Theatre
Location: 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Dates: Now through 29 September 2019
Showtimes: Vary by date
Tickets: $10 General Admission (available online or at the box office)
Running Time: Approx. 60 minutes, no intermission
💬 Final Thoughts
From top to bottom, Conejo Players’ Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. is a heartwarming, high-energy success. The cast is lovable, the direction is smart, and the music is toe-tapping. At just $10 a ticket, it’s an affordable and joy-filled theatrical outing for families, friends, and fans of classic musical theatre.
🧡 Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Chitty—she’s a truly scrumptious car! 🚘
Never heard about this and would love to see! Thanks for sharing.
I would love for there to be a showing of this near my in NC! It sounds like a great show full of young talent!
I loved the original with Dick VanDyke so I am sure this was amazing live in the theater!! I would have loved to have seen it!
That’s amazing! I love Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It was my favorite musical as a kid and I still love it to this day. It would be great to see it live someday!