Okay, so I went to see Chitty yesterday at the Ford center, which is now the Hilton. Let me just tell you that I had Balcony seats (last row for $20) and I really thought I wouldn't see anything (after watching All Shook Up from it's high, HIGH Balcony). The seats were actually pretty good, and the Balcony was about 50% full, so I moved to the front row.
A lot of families in the crowd, a lot of kids. But that didn't really bother me, what bother me was the junior school that bought half of the Balcony.. :p And to the show:
The first act was very nice. A bit disappointing at times because I had extremely high expectations. The set was beautiful and creative, especially the amazing car that WOWed everyone. The music was almost exactly the same as the Original London Cast CD, and was very good and entertaining. They did cut one song, I think it was "Think Vulgar" and replaced it with "Be English". So overall the first act was a bit less then what I expected, but Chitty is still in previews, and will improve a lot until opening.
Second Act: MUCH much better then the first act. Amazing effects, really liked the one with the child catcher; [small spoiler] It was really cool when he went over the Balcony :) [end of spoiler]
And for the cast... *drums* Raul was great in the father role. That guy can really do anything! You could feel everyone liked him. So yes, I truly enjoyed his great performance. ERIN DILLY was also good as Truly.
At the finale, the crowd went C-R-A-Z-Y! Well, at least that what it looked like from the Balcony :) Everyone sang along [oh, you pretty chitty bang bang..] and gave it a nice standing ovation. It looked like everyone in the cast had a great time, as well as everyone in the audience.
CCBB is a fun family-friendly big fat hit, which will wow families at the Hilton Theatre. A truly good time for everyone.