Well, there is ONE reason why this production might fare better than the 1997 revival. That being that the '97 revival was a replica of the original (with drabber colors), while this revival is a completely new production (new designs, new choreography, new staging and new orchestrations).
In '97 no one wanted to see the same production. People MIGHT want to see a new production this time. And if it's good, the people will come.
"Sing the words, Patti!!!!" Stephen Sondheim to Patti LuPone.