"Phantom..." was OK - good music (if you like AL Webber), nice sets and all that, + a very pretty leading lady. But also very conventional, very much a theater piece put on screen. No competitor to "Moulin Rouge", to mention another musical of later years.

Mention of Moulin Rouge is interesting. Baz Lurman's stuff
has taken some (worthwhile) chances on things. The stage play
of Phantom ran here in this small city for four weeks-- because four weeks is what Clear Channel Entertainment contracts for with a venue.

I could've seen it free as a member of the volunteer usher
staff. I boycotted the whole four weeks.

Then there was the Oscars and Emmy Rossum did not get a nod
for the show.

Point taken. I haven't seen it nor am I likely to.

It may sound snooty but I agree with (I think) H.L.
Menken who (may have) said "good taste is the first refuge
of the witless."

That in essence is my argument with, and objection to
"must see" entertainment.