"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
The show used to be listed on AWA Touring Services booking list [the same company that books shows like POTO, Les Mis, and Miss Saigon] but I looked today and the show was no longer listed.
I think the naysayers are failing to recognize the difference that exists between a New York audience and your national theatre audience. Chitty didn't do well because it was a family show in a market that is saturated with family shows. The folks who would see Chitty and enjoy it are the types that on their trip to NYC, are going to take their children to see Lion King or BATB, possibly phantom. Chitty isn't an American institution so why squander your chance as a tourist to see a Broadway show on something like Chitty? That's the mindset of the target Chitty audience. Heck, they might not have even known about it. When it tours, and I believe it will, I believe it will be a huge sucess. People aren't going to be rationing their chance to see a "broadway" show and will decide to take the kids out to the theatre. Not to mention, road reviews always seem less harsh than NYC reviews.
It's important to note that producing in the UK is cheaper than on Broadway, and on Broadway Tours. This is largely due to the fact that the Government helps out more in finances there...and the pound is stronger than the doller.
CHITTY most likely (if the producers are smart) will not have a tour in the US. If they were to look at productions beyond NY, they might try a sit down in another city...but the show is simply so darned BIG set wise. They'd have to scale it down big time to make it cost effective...and with a show that is mostly about its bigger than life sets and flying car...is that wise? Also, unlike the UK, the movie wasn't exactly a hit here (part of the reason Broadway's is closing so early).
Anyways, clarkstallings you're right. That's exactly what I meant by my comment. I would in no way want to see a "family" type show if i were going on a trip to NYC, but if it were coming to my town, i'd def. go. Most parents aren't going to fly their kids to NYC and go see a show, but if it were more convient, then of course they would go. I think it'd be smart to travel. If shows like Phantom / Wicked / Lion King can tour, why not Chitty?