I remember the 1968 film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" fairly well, even though I wasn't born until 1970, which means I saw it much later after its life in theaters.

At the time of its big premiere, it was treated by the public and press with cautious interest and curiosity, primarily because its lead character was an unusual flying car that starred opposite actor Dick Van Dyke (who happens to turn 83 today), who long had been part of Walt Disney's film family appearing in such classics as "Mary Poppins."

But this film, which also starred actors Benny Hill and Lionel Jeffries and Broadway star Sally Ann Howes, was made by United Artist Studios and intended to rival the success of any of the previous live-action Disney classics, like "That Darn Cat!" (1965) and "The Absent-Minded Professor" and "The Shaggy Dog" (1959).

The filming took place on location in England, France and Bavaria over 14 months and its price tag was sky-high.

However, after screenings critics were mixed about the film, despite the brisk business the box office enjoyed, especially from children, who were fanatical about it.

In fact, media analysts often say the merchandising spawned from the mass marketing phenomenon associated with the film is where some of the biggest money was made with lucrative licensing of everything from "Truly Scrumptious" Barbie Dolls, to the Jemima dress patterns modeled from the outfits worn by the young female character played by Heather Ripley, not to mention all the lunch-boxes, countless toys and many other items that still enjoy a thriving collectible life on the secondary market. The "Truly Scrumptious" costumes in the film even sparked a minirevival in Edwardian fashions, especially reflected by designer Laura Ashley.

So it makes sense (and money) to bring the film to Broadway.

Better yet, it's coming to a Chicago stage.

And today, there's an open casting call asking for auditions by the talented children from the Northwest Indiana and Chicago area to try out for the musical production of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at the legendary Chicago Theatre.

Anyone interested needs to be at The Chicago Theatre's Downstairs Stage, 175 N. State St. at 11:30 a.m. today for the noon auditions, accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign-up for the audition. Auditions will begin promptly at noon at The Chicago Theatre's Downstairs Stage. Each child will be asked to sing 16 bars a cappella from one up-tempo song of their choice. Children should be prepared to learn and execute simple choreography as part of the audition process. Audition space is strictly limited to the first 200 children to register on the day of auditions. No decisions will be announced at any time during the auditions.

The local children and their parents or guardians will be provided rehearsal and performance information. While the children will not receive any compensation, this is described by producers as "a wonderful opportunity for children to experience performing on stage at the historic Chicago Theatre in an acclaimed Broadway production with professional actors."

Each child also will be asked to sing a song of their choice and will be taught choreography as part of the audition process.

The producers for "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" are seeking local children between ages 8 and 12 to perform in this show's engagement at The Chicago Theatre on Feb.11-15, 2009.

Six children will be selected to join the ensemble, and they will appear as orphans in Act 2 of every performance. Two alternates also will be chosen.

Described as "an enthralling adventure," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is the story of a magical car that sails the seas and flies through the air, based on the 1964 novel by James Bond author Ian Fleming. Chitty's eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts and his children, Jemima and Jeremy, join the truly scrumptious Truly Scrumptious and kooky Grandpa Popps in outwitting the dastardly Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria in their attempt to steal the flying car for themselves.

(The film's screenplay was adapted from the novel by none other than Roald Dahl, the author of "Charlie and Chocolate Factory" and "James and Giant Peach.")

Tickets for "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" range from $22 to $72 and can be purchased at The Chicago Theatre Box Office, 175 N. State St, online at thechicagotheatre.com or by calling (312) 559-1212. For more information, chittyontour.com.

The show is being presented locally by Madison Square Garden Entertainment and billed as "the most fantasmagorical Broadway musical in the history of everything."

The production features the music and lyrics by Roger and Richard Sherman, composers of Disney's "Mary Poppins." The national tour features an original script and fresh adaptation directed by Ray Roderick.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

celebBirthdays

Actor Dick Van Dyke ("Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) is 83. Actor Christopher Plummer is 79. Actor Robert Prosky ("Veronica's Closet," "Hill Street Blues") is 78. Country singer Buck White of The Whites is 78. Actor-singer John Davidson is 67. Singer Ted Nugent is 60. Actress Kathy Garver ("Family Affair") is 63. Guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan) and guitarist Ron Getman of The Tractors are 60. Country singer-guitarist Randy Owen of Alabama is 59. Actress Wendie Malick ("Just Shoot Me") is 58. Country singer John Anderson is 54. Singer Morris Day of The Time is 52. Actor Steve Buscemi is 51. Actor Johnny Whitaker ("Family Affair") is 49. Actor-comedian Jamie Foxx is 41. Singer-guitarist Tom Delonge of Angels and Airwaves (and Blink-182) is 33. Actress Chelsea Hertford ("Major Dad") is 27. Singer Amy Lee of Evanescence is 27.