WEST VALLEY CITY -- It's not a bird and it's not a plane -- it's not Superman, either. It's a flying car. Hale Centre Theatre announced this week the musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is on the lineup for its 2013 season. The production would be the regional premiere of the musical.
The theater's season also includes the return of the soul-stirring "Ragtime," Disney's high-swinging "Tarzan," the comedy "The 39 Steps" and the always-popular "A Christmas Carol."
* "The 39 Steps" -- Dec. 31-Feb. 2
Launching the 2013 season (on the last day of 2012) is the romantic comedy and winner of two Tony Awards, "The 39 Steps." Adapted from the Alfred Hitchcock classic film, this romantic mystery comedy begins when Richard Hannay finds a strange woman dead in his house. Four actors play multiple roles that take them through the country and the city, and from the train to a Scottish inn.
* "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" -- Feb. 15-April 13
This musical begins when a racing car's career comes to an end with a damaging crash during a Grand Prix race. The car ends up in an old garage, where it is to be sold and melted down to liquid ore. Two young children intercede and beg their father to purchase the car, and the magical adventures begin. The classic score includes "Hushabye Mountain," "Toot Sweets," "Truly Scrumptious" and the infectious "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Rights to produce the show, which is based on the 1968 film are pending, according to the theater.
* "No Time for Sergeants" -- April 23-May 25, 2013
Back by popular demand, "No Time for Sergeants" is a 1956 Broadway hit by Ira Levin that follows a man as he is drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. The military will never be the same after William Stockdale unravels the army and ruins his sergeant's career.
* "Ragtime" -- June 5-July 27, 2013
This story of the blooming of America is the recipient of three Tony Awards and a five-time Drama Desk Award winner. The musical tells the story of three groups in America: upper-class Caucasians, African-Americans and Eastern European immigrants. Memories of Ellis Island, Houdini and Henry Ford are woven into a story about the separation of the classes.
* "Tarzan" -- Aug. 9-Sept. 28, 2013
Disney's "Tarzan," featuring music by Phil Collins, will come to life in a high-energy story of an orphan jungle boy who is raised by a family of apes. Then, surprised by a stranger who looks like him, he uncovers a world that was once his.
* "Brigadoon" -- Oct. 9-Nov. 30, 2013
The Tony-winnning "Brigadoon" begins when a spell is cast and the enchanted Scottish village of Brigadoon awakens for only one day every 100 years. Tommy, a jaded American, happens upon it and will find out if love can bloom in one day. The score, written by the duo of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe, includes such songs as "The Heather on the Hill," "Almost Like Being in Love," "I'll Go Home With Bonnie Jean" and "Brigadoon."
* "A Christmas Carol" -- Dec. 9-Dec. 23, 2013
The theater concludes its season with Charles Dickens' timeless tale of redemption, adapted by Richard Wilkins and Barlow Bradford.
Season tickets go on sale to current season ticket holders in June and to the general public on Aug. 1. For ticket information, call 801-984-9000, visit www.halecentretheatre.org, or visit the theater's box office, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City.