good points, footlights2, but I have never really cared for ALWs musical work. It has nothing to do with being trendy or un-trendy. I have ALW's Phantom on Blu-ray and the sets, costume and lighting are nice, but the show itself is a yawn. I much prefer Lon Chaney's silent Phantom of the Opera to any of the other films I've seen (Herbert Lom, Claude Rains & a couple others included). They are all better than the ALW's filmed musical IMO.
However, I am going to see this on Broadway in September. And I have not yet cast any "least favorite" votes. I'll give it a chance.
My interests and opinions are so far from mainstream that the concept of "trendiness" combined with me is a laugh.