A LETTER FROM DIRECTOR, JESSICA BOWER
I believe it is important for an artist to stretch themselves, to step outside their comfort zone and take a crack at a discipline that feels challenging to them. I said yes to directing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang because I knew if I held that belief, I would need to put that belief into action. I do not consider myself a veteran director. Even though I have been performing on stage since I was ten years old and studied acting at an intense college training program, I consider myself a novice director. I honestly felt apprehensive to take on this project. I thought, “Beth! Why would you ask me to direct something at this scale for you?! I don’t feel ready!” I have a feeling if she were sitting with me right now, she would say, “Jess, when do we ever feel ready?”
Beth Domann has been a mentor to me for over a decade not only because she has known me since I was ten years old, but also because she gets me. She has that ability, to see someone for who they are even before they know who they are. She was the education director at Springfield Little Theatre when I was a hungry musical theatre student in Y.E.S. Troupe. I reflected on those days and remembered feeling so much abandonment and fearlessness during those years. Perhaps ignorance is bliss, perhaps age and experience weather you and you become more fearful to try new things.
Yes, I was fearful to direct a mainstage musical. But I am so thankful I said yes because I have met some incredible artists while Springfield audiences get to experience this sweet story at a time when stories like this are needed to usher in some light into our lives. It is one of Beth’s favorite movies, and like me, she is a sucker for nostalgia. Any time I find myself chatting her up in her office we end up traveling down memory lane, and I see this cast making those special memories with each other now. Years from now these actors, crew, musicians, and creative team will say, “Remember when…?”
I feel honored to have been given this opportunity to work as a director with Springfield Little Theatre. While acting is still my focus and first love, I can see myself on the boards again as a director because I love the process and creating with incredible talent. Both our music director Carla Wootton and choreographer Alyssa Hakan are astonishing and brilliant. The scenic design by Chuck Rogers is beautiful, whimsical, and enhances the story in a lovely way. I am also thankful to my wonderful husband, Jamie Bower, for his fantastic lighting design and his help during this process. I feel lucky to have a partner who loves theatre and the arts. I feel lucky to have a space to create in this community. Thank you.
Who’s ready for a family adventure with a flying car?!
no surprise that this is the perfect show for families to experience together onstage, as this story echos family and “Teamwork” throughout the show. Children that attend will be dazzled by the flying car, the children’s ensemble dancing around on stage, and the two children leads, played by Caedmon Wilcox and Ava Bartlett, who are both adorable and talented. There is a sense of wonder and imagination that the two Potts kids bring to this show that really tie this family adventure together. Adults that attend will appreciate the nostalgic feel of the stage version and will walk away with the title song stuck in their heads, the same as 55 years ago! “Oh you, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we love you!”
Hello! My name is Gracen Miller, I am a senior in highschool and am thrilled to be returning to the Landers stage during Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a Featured Dancer. I had the privilege to interview my friend, castmate, and choreographer, Alyssa Hakan. She will be graduating from OTC in May and will continue her education studying dance, theatre, and film at Lindenwood University. She is currently on a national tour as a Tap Into The Network Apprentice. Alyssa and I both got involved with Springfield Little Theatre when we were young through the summer camps. Alyssa said “This is what made me realize I belonged on the stage.” Below is our interview!
Congratulations to the cast of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! We are thrilled to have you all and cannot wait to get started. Thank you to everyone who gave of their time and talents during the audition process. We sincerely hope you will continue to audition and stay involved with Springfield Little Theatre.