Go-Fame Youth Theatre Returns with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

LONG BEACH, Calif. — With a cast of 52 youth ranging from ages 7-18, GO-FAME Youth Theatre Company returns with six performances of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the CSULB University Theater the weekends of July 8 and July 15.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was selected to give the participants an exposure to the classics in musical theater. For weeks, members of the theatre company have worked with industry professionals to bring the story of the magical car and even splashier adventures to life. These professionals include the show’s artistic director Elaine Zofrea; musical directors Dr. Kristina Young-Goodner and Chris Ring; choreographer Bert Fulton; and set designer Tom Zofrea. Parents and other community members have also been involved with making costumes and building set pieces.

The production is based on Ian Fleming’s 1964 novel Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car and subsequent film adaptation that starred notable figures like Dick Van Dyke. The youth theatre company will perform 12 song and dance numbers using the music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.

The musical performance has an estimated running time of 1 hour 45 minutes with one intermission. Performance days and times are as follows:

Saturday, July 8 and July 15

Matinee: 2 p.m.

Evening: 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 9 and July 16

Matinee: 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online (www.go-fame.org) or 30 minutes prior to each show at the University Theater’s box office. Tickets are priced at $12 for general admission and $15 for premium reserved seats in the first six rows of the theater. Parking will be available in the University Parking Lot for an additional fee determined by the university.

About Go-Fame Youth Theatre Company

GO-FAME is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth theatre company serving children ages 5-18 who live in Long Beach, Calif. and surrounding areas. GO-FAME was originally founded as an afterschool drama program at Minnie Gant Elementary School in Long Beach. The program has since expanded to offer youth of all backgrounds more opportunities in theater. GO-FAME produces a full show season consisting of two large-scale musicals, two small-scale shows, and series of classes and workshops. Youth work with professionals from the theater industry to learn all aspects of performing and visual arts. GO-FAME is also known to collaborate with other youth and arts organizations, such as those working with foster children as well as active and retired military personnel, as a means of increasing the community’s access to theater entertainment. For more information, call (714) 227-5115 or visit www.go-fame.org.