Hello Kitty

When I first got a text message from my editor asking if I could go to a press call abroad, I immediately said yes with no questions asked. I was clueless about what was going to happen — whether it will be a concert, a launch, or a getaway in some tourist-hankering place.

Realizing that I didn’t read the whole message, I went through it again and I found my giddy self reading out loud the word m-u-s-i-c-a-l in the last sentence — Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Musical in Singapore to be exact. I chuckled and told myself, “Chitty Chitty what!?” Yes, I was never a fan of curtain calls and actors singing and prancing all over the stage. I then hurried home and Googled more about the musical, and boy, was I surprised to find out the score on it!

Originally a children’s novel written by Ian Fleming of the James Bond series fame for his son in the ’60s, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a story of the adventures of a racing car that has a life on its own (minus Lindsay Lohan). The story started showing the celebrated career of a racing car that won every contest it took part in, until one day, it sacked out. The car was eventually found by two kids and their widower father, who found themselves in a thousand-mile chase for the soon-to-be-stolen car and a search for the father’s new love interest.

The children’s novel was turned into a musical in 2000 and ran for almost five years in the West End. Directed by Adrian Noble, the version of this show closed in September 2005, but despite the technical problems they experienced due to the mechanical flying car, it enjoyed a successful run all throughout its showing. After it closed in London’s West End, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang took its first road tour around UK immediately after three months. And after nearly two years of good reviews, the now famous musical first sets its foot in Asia.

Early this month, the same production from London, now more improved in terms of set design and advance technology, staged its first show in Singapore. It was then after a few performances that I got invited by the Singapore Tourism Board to try out what they call a “fantasmagorical experience.” I did, however, think twice if I should go or not, because primarily, it means not doing my original plan, which they call the “Beyoncé experience.” Lucky me, my ticket to fly back here was perfect for my original plan. I then prepared my luggage and headed off to sunny Singapore.

As soon as the plane landed, my guide immediately grabbed my bag and took me into some mall for lunch. We were already late for the first press call, so after the quick meal, we went to Singapore’s Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay for the backstage rehearsal viewing of the musical. Me, together with a group of press people from around Asia, had a sneak preview of what was going to happen on the show later that night. Also, we were given the chance to have a quick chat with some of the cast and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s producer James Cundall.

It was some of the crew’s first trip to Asia, and everyone was excited to do the show abroad. “Before, I thought playing in the West End was a turning point in my career as an actress, but after going here and performing in Asia, it changed my whole perspective,” says one of the cast members.

But what surprised me was when producer James Cundall asked everyone if there’s someone in the media who’s from the Philippines. I, being the youngest in the press group, excitedly raised my hand together with a fellow Pinoy who writes for a different broadsheet. He then explained to us that the Philippines was one of the countries shortlisted by the production team to go to. Sadly, the people from the Cultural Center of the Philippines gave them a hard time in booking the place, so they ended up not going to do the show here anymore. DOT… I hope you guys are reading this!

Also, probably one of the highlights of this trip was meeting London’s award-winning actor Richard O’ Brien of the famous Rocky Horror Show.

He played one of the villains in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, wherein he kidnaps every kid in town, thus the name, Child Catcher. He was explaining to us that he was surprised when they first performed here in Asia.

“It was refreshing to see so much laughter from the audience. People here actually listen to the script more than they do in London,” says O’ Brien.

He explained further that big production musicals have a growing market here in Asia. And Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is sure-fire proof of it.

Later on that night, I got my ticket and gladly looked for my seat. Lucky for the media group because we were all seated just a few rows from the front. We had a good view of the whole performance and it definitely banged me off from my seat. Seeing the rehearsal earlier that day, my expectations were nothing when I saw the whole ensemble put together. From the cast of 70 and props that were larger-than-life, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one visual spectacle you must not miss.

As I fly back in town, I was sure enough that the Beyoncé concert was finally over. I missed it — on purpose. But having watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang gave me a different kind of satisfaction as an audience. No, it still didn’t make me a fan of the curtain call, but I’m sure I am going to watch another show as good as this.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and will run until Dec. 9. For ticket inquiries, call 634-85555 or check out its website at www. lunchbox-productions.com.