I haven't seen Howard! I need to some day. I have his solo album too...you're right, AMAZING VOICE! He has the record for playing the Phantom the most amount of times...he was there for a while and then left and is back now!
I saw Hugh Panaro the last time I went...has a crazy incredible voice too! He's a thin, short guy and then opens his mouth and it's like "

where is that coming from"
The Broadway board I read suggested Josh Groban for the Phantom...interesting idea!