By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com
CLAY COUNTY — The fantastic story of a magical car, two creative kids, their father and a female traveling companion has found its home at The CO-OP at Shoal Creek, 6816 N Church Rd. No. 101.
A Place For Us Productions will present “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!” Friday through Sunday, Sept. 5 to 7 and again Sept. 11 to 14.
The shows on Sept. 5 and 6 as well as Sept. 11 to 13 is at 7 p.m. There is a 4 p.m. show on Sept. 7 and 14. For ticket information, visit www.aplaceforusproductions.com.
The musical is based on the 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s children’s book, and featuring a score by the Sherman Brothers.
Directing is divided among theater company founder Alexandra Rovirosa, Kai Chapin, and Olivia Simmons, intern.
The three directors are also acting and singing in the musical too, along with cast members from the Northland, Overland Park and Independence.
The company started in 2022 and during these years, we have staged three full musicals including this show and a teen show, Rovirosa said.
She is also playing Truly Scrumptious, the lead who sings “Doll on a Music Box.”
“This was a family movie for us,” she said. “It’s one of the shows that’s not done every year.”
Rovirosa said she has always known she loved theater.
“It’s been since I was 4,” she said.
After losing her aunt to breast cancer, he jumped into the acting world. Her first show coming in 2014 with “A Wonderful Life.” She ventured to California, but came back to the area.
“I want to offer actors a chance for master craftsmanship,” she said. “I want to offer quality shows as a quality theater should do. Not everyone can go to New York, but they deserve a quality show.”
Now at the CO-OP, Rovirosa hopes to see teen productions, kids classes and camps next year, plus an adult acting class with music and voice from her.
“We have a large children’s ensemble in this cast,” she said. “It’s overall a loyal group of actors that are as passionate about shows that are not often done too. I love seeing people transform. We strive for quality.”
Chapin is one of the directors and producers. He has also been helping with running music, helping with stage design as well as lighting and sound.
“Everyone is wearing lots of hats,” he said. “My role is to help fill in the gaps. It’s always knowing that there will be new challenges.”
He is also playing inventor and father Caractacus Potts.
“I had not seen the movie until January of this year,” he said. “It’s weird and goofy. It’s a classic with catchy songs.”
Chapin said the show is more immersive with the audience feeling more like they are part of the show. It’s a lot of work, but I believe it’s going to be a nice, wholesome experience.”
Chapin is excited about dancing and being part of the huge community effort.
“It’s all been very enjoyable,” he said.
Simmons has also been helping with social media as well as acting as the spy Boris.
“Three years ago, I didn’t have a summer show and found A Place for Us and ‘She Loves Me.’ It’s such a great environment where everyone was so accepted. It’s a huge family.”
Simmons also helps block and direct some scenes.
“I’ve done a junior version of the musical before,” she said. “It’s just a lot of fun. There are times we are laughing and smiling at the jokes even after hearing them dozens of times.”
Simmons’ spy counterpart, Goran, is played by Kevin Mabury. He knows this musical as well as his children, who called the songs their “night, night songs.” Now his grandchildren will share in the experience.
“This has been a bucket-list show for me,” he explained. “It’s like a super Christmas gift. It’s just joyful.”
Robert M. Scoles plays Grandpa Potts.
“I have always loved this movie growing up as a child,” he said. “Grandpa Potts is very much a loving grandpa. He also as an eccentric side and he loves to embellish a story. A military man he is and proud. I am having a wonderful time exploring just who grandpa is and at the same time keeping him rooted in reality.”
Scoles shared that this is his second show with the company.
“I was in last year’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ in the role of Mr. Jarvis Lorry. Working here is like working with family. Everyone is incredibly talented and yet so kind and supportive.”
