Lyric Theatre Ends Run of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, 7/10

Lyric Theatre is continuing its 2010 Lyric at the Civic Center Season with the Oklahoma premiere of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on July 6th-10th at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City.

Based on the book by Ian Fleming and much loved 1968 film starring Dick Van Dyke, the incredible adventures of this out-of-the ordinary car that flies through the air and sails the seas is reaching a new generation through an enthralling and enchanting stage musical. Lyric is bringing the Broadway stage to Oklahoma by using the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang staging, choreography, sets, and costumes.

Oklahoma City's own Matthew Alvin Brown will be playing the role of Caractacus Potts, the loving father of two who takes us on this wild journey. You might recognize Matthew from his role as Seymour in Lyric Theatre's 2009 summer show Little Shop of Horrors. Matthew's other Lyric Theatre credits include High School Musical 2, The Producers and Fiddler on the Roof.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be directed by New York's own Ray Roderick. Ray most recently adapted the script and directed the 1st National tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and was the Associate Director of A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden for six years, where he was privileged to work with original director Mike Ockrent. Ray directed and co-wrote the new musical The Prince and the Pauper and directed and choreographed The Ark, Lamour the Merrier and The Story Goes On. He also co-wrote, directed and choreographed Heaven Help Us!, A Christmas Survival Guide and I Love New York.

Lyric's production is also unique in that it features 42 student performers, ages 8 through 14, who will participate in Lyric's "Camp Phantasmagorical" program. The Director of this program, Susan Riley will train these young actors for three weeks in acting, movement, group voice and audition techniques as they prepare for their debut on the Civic Center stage as part of the show's Children's Ensemble.

Lyric at the Civic Center 2010 season Title Sponsor is Chesapeake Energy Corporation. Presenting Sponsor is The Oklahoman, with additional season support provided by American Airlines, Kirkpatrick Foundation, Inasmuch Foundation, Allied Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is sponsored by Chickasaw Nation, Sandridge Energy, AT&T, Crowe & Dunlevy and W&W Steel.

Single tickets for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang start at $29. 2010 Lyric at the Civic Center Season tickets are still available starting at $89. Performances are on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. To purchase tickets go to www.lyrictheatreokc.com, call (405) 524-9312, come by Lyric Theatre's ticket office located on 1727 NW 16 St., Oklahoma City, Okla, or call the Civic Center Box office at (405) 297-2264 or 1-800-364-7111.

Lyric will continue to produce its annual summer season at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City with 42nd Street and Buddy-The Buddy Story.

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