random "Chitty" thoughts

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 2:51pm

I know. I'm all about the random posts today, but etheb and I are watching the movie "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" right now. I still think the musical's going to be campy and silly, but it IS cute. Seeing this is definitely getting me excited, though. My opinion was always "oh, well, Raul can do anything and he can make anything amazing, so he'll be great," but now that I have a solid idea of the character, I KNOW he's going to be wonderful. He plays "crazy" so well, and his ability to be so over-the-top but remain charming and endearing is going to be perfect. I just thought I'd share...

Updated On: 12/11/04 at 02:51 PM

[Ebonic_Singer]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 2:55pm

It's nice to share.

[BroadwayDiva]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 2:56pm

Yay! Raúl is going to be great (well, he's great no matter what he does). I can't wait until it opens.

[Britt0913]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 2:57pm

Random thoughts can be fun, emcee. (especially when they have to do with Raul and CCBB....)

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 2:58pm

That's what I figured, Britt.
And I like to share.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 3:56pm

Will it be sort of cute? What is Raúl's character like?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 3:59pm

Check your PM's insomniak. Then go rent this movie; it'll make you laugh.

[kec]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 5:05pm

I saw the London production, and while the stage show is fairly true to the film, there were some minor changes. First of all, Michael Ball, who originated the role of Caractacus Potts, wasn't quite as klutzy as DVD. He brought out more the loving father, and less the eccentric inventor. The actor who replaced him, Gary Wilmot, was a bit more true to the way DVD played the role. I'm not familiar with Mr. Esparza's work (living a loooong way from Broadway will do that to a person ), so it will be interesting to see what his take on the role will be.

The Baron and Baroness Bomburst and the country of Vulgaria were not products of Caractacus' storytelling gifts -- they were "real," as was the child catcher. There are some new songs, including one sung by said Child Catcher, and a new dance number to replace the waltz version of "Chu-Chi Face" played during the Baron's birthday celebration.

It really was very enjoyable.

[Britt0913]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 6:31pm

I read somewhere that Raul had said that he wants to make his performance more like Dick Van Dyke's was in the film. I'll try and find the article online again, but I'm pretty sure that's what it said.

[JO125]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 7:13pm

"I read somewhere that Raul had said that he wants to make his performance more like Dick Van Dyke's was in the film. I'll try and find the article online again, but I'm pretty sure that's what it said."

Raul was interviewed at the "Whoopi" opening night, and reportedly said he would like to try more of what Dick Van Dyke does in the film. Here is the Playbill article:
Playbill news

[Britt0913]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 8:17pm

Thanks, JO125. I knew I read it somewhere.

[jo]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 11:33pm

Can you imagine if DVD had actually agreed to do the Grandpa Potts role on stage ( he was asked but he didn't think he was up to the rigors of an 8-shows-a-week schedule, given his age)??!!

I already have tickets for the show. Like KEC, I saw the show several times in London and am a little unhappy not to see Michael Ball reprise the role. But I like the show itself ( great family entertainment value) and am looking forward to seeing CHITTY fly and soar into the skies of Broadway Updated On: 12/11/04 at 11:33 PM

[centerstage]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 11:34pm

i saw tolin in a regional production of "The Christmas Carol" on thursday and he was soo cute!! i think that he will be really good on broadway, even if it is his debut. Im so dumb...i dont even know what role he is, just what his bio said...

[MyNameInLights]

Posted: 12/11/04 at 11:55pm

<----- <33333

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:00am

Absolutely, brilliantly lovely, MNIL.

[MyNameInLights]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:06am

Couldn't keep it caged any longer!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:15am

Shouldn't have to!

[timote316]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:17am

Raul can do no wrong. Period.

Odd coincidence: tick, tick...BOOM! starting playing in my CD Player and I came to this thread

[midtowngym]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:45am

The Esparza Heads rule!! We ROCK!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 12:47am

YAY!

Nice new icon, by the way!

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 12/12/04 at 3:44am

I love that I can say "Raúl Esparza" here and you people know who I'm talking about. Again, I was really hoping this show would be a "vehicle" for Michael Ball's return to Broadway. With that being said, I cant WAIT to see Raúl in another musical!