The Cindy reviews were, for the most part, better than tepid, though nowhere close to raves, and I'm not sure (Noel and Cole) on what you base your assertion that word of mouth has also been tepid. The people I know who have seen the show (probably around 50 or so) have all either liked or loved it. But I really don't know how word of mouth is measured anyway.
Having seen the show twice myself, once shortly after it opened and once in May, I strongly agree with another poster above who said that the show is much better now than it was, as the cast really has learned how to sell the jokes that work and soft pedal the ones that don't.
My belief is that the attendance issue is due to a marketing flaw, as the show clearly has been sold as a show for little girls and their moms and grand moms, rather than as a VERY romantic show, which it is. And of course, the music is wonderful.
CZJ at opening night party for A Little Night Music, Dec 13, 2009.