Rocky Point High School brought imagination and musical theater to life with its production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, presented March 6 and March 7 in the Rocky Point High School Auditorium. The high-flying musical adventure featured a large student cast and crew who worked together to create a memorable and family-friendly theatrical experience.

A total of 135 students participated in the production, including 67 cast members, 21 pit orchestra musicians, seven technical crew members responsible for sound and lighting, 21 stage crew members, 13 cosmetology students assisting with hair and makeup, and six student set painters. The pit orchestra also included Rocky Point Music Department faculty members Kyra Kenwood and Vinny Ragona.

Auditions and rehearsals began in early December, with students and staff rehearsing after school, on Saturdays and during February’s winter recess in preparation for the production.

Based on the beloved 1968 film adapted from Ian Fleming’s children’s book and featuring music by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tells the story of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and his children, Jeremy and Jemima, who restore an old race car that reveals magical abilities, including flight and flotation. Their adventure leads them into conflict with Baron Bomburst, who wants the magical car for himself.

The production was directed and supported by numerous staff members and faculty. Amy Schecher served as pit orchestra director and executive director, while Jessica Spitz served as director of dramatics, vocal director and props and costume coordinator. Jaimie Mancini served as production manager and choreography director.

Additional support came from Joseph Gabrinowitz and Anthony Nobre, who oversaw scenic design and construction; Seth Meier, who coordinated set painting; Brittany Antici and Maran Bouton, who coordinated cosmetology students; and Michael Conlon, who supervised lighting and sound.

“This is a very fun show, but one that is very rarely performed due to the set and technical requirements,” said Jessica Spitz, Rocky Point High School choral director. “We could never have performed this show without our incredible set and prop designers. This production truly reflected the spirit that teamwork makes the dream work.”

Spitz also noted the collaboration across the school community, including the participation of several middle school students who portrayed the children in the story and parents who assisted with building sets, props and costumes.

“I am so proud of the cast, pit and crew of this show,” said Jaimie Mancini, choreography director and production manager. “While it may be a high school musical, the responsibility, collaboration and project management skills our students demonstrate are transferable skills that will benefit them in any future profession.”

Amy Schecher, secondary music department chairperson and executive director of the production, praised the dedication and talent of the students involved.

“The students that participated in this production worked extremely hard this year,” Schecher said. “The level of talent and musicianship displayed by the students is amazing, and a production of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of families, teachers and staff.”

Craig Knapp, Rocky Point Elementary Music Department chairperson, said the production highlighted the growth of students who developed their musical interests at different stages of their education.

“It is a joy to see so many different students work together to create such a close-knit community,” Knapp said. “This was truly an amazing production and the level of independence demonstrated by the students was incredible.”

School leaders also expressed appreciation to the Rocky Point administration and Board of Education for their continued support of the district’s music and theater programs.

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