I sat in the second row center and yes, it was way too close.
First of all there are speakers on the front of the stage support (below the proscenium) so all the music is so loud abd in your face that you won't be able to discern the lyrics. If you already know the score well this may not be a problem.
Second, there is of course the spit issue.
I was able to see into the wings a bit and I found this distracting. I don't really want to see the actors lining up for their next scene and hanging out. I had to make an effort to not look as the peripheral movement kept drawing my attention.
There is no partial view though. You won't miss anything except perspective.
....but the world goes 'round
