I had seen Phantom in DC back in the 90's, but honestly didn't remember much about it other than that I enjoyed it. It was my first Broadway-style play, so I didn't have anything to compare it to at the time. We were in NY for a birthday celebration and wanted to get show tickets without taking a huge hit to the wallet. My teenager kids had heard of the play but didn't know anything at all about it other than it's the longest running Broadway show.
The entrance to the theater was haphazard and disorganized, but we are used to the Kennedy Center in DC so I can't hold that against them. But, we made it to our seats with time to spare so no worries.
First, let me say that these performers are immensely talented. I had forgotten much of the music, but they hit every single note and some of them were very high. Remarkable singing - beautiful voices. Our only issue, and note that we are not opera goers - was that we could not understand most of the words being sung. We bought tickets through Trip Advisor (you already know this since you are reading this review) so we got a great deal, but the seats were all the way in the back of the orchestra section. I think if we had been closer and could see their lips moving, it may have been more understandable. My kids were totally lost and I had to fill them in during the intermission. All that being said, the music and the singing was amazing. The show was well done, I just wish they could have understood it better. They are planning to listen to the soundtrack now. Since the entire play is sung, they should have a much better grasp of the story if they can listen and read the lyrics.