Thanks, Overthewall.
So before tonight I knew nothing about the show except the general story and that it was a sequel.
I played the OCLR and then watched the BD.
A few thoughts (minor spoilers):
The opening is better in the revised Australian version by far, but still feels problematic. A shortened version of his big song would have been enough without jumping right to the deep end with the evening's main showstopper.
The production is really well directed. Simon Phillips has some experience directing opera and his ability to smoothly stage a show this large is evident. Part of that opinion might also be influenced by the fact that what I saw was a professionally edited filmed performance though. Either way, the BD looks and sounds spectacular regardless what you think of the show.
Which leads me to my opinion of the show itself. I'll keep it short and just say that I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. It's by no means a masterpiece and the score is particularly bland (even for ALW) but I was never bored and at times got quite caught up in it.
Special mention to the makeup. That slicked back hair that the Phantom has isn't real. I won't say why you would think otherwise lest I spoil a key scene, but I had to watch the special features just to see the actor out of makeup to be sure.
....but the world goes 'round
