RE: Isherwood's review. It's quite clear that he doesn't like the show at all because of his problems with the material itself. Bette Davis once pointed out that her problem with critics was that instead of saying something like, "this show is not my cup of tea, but for what it is . . . . ", too many critics would dismiss something as being bad, period. I think this is a good example. Yes, he oohed and ahhed over Josh Young for reasons I suspect were not objective, but his overall dislike of the material over-clouded his review.
Even though it's a revival of a piece that has been successful in the past, I think reviewing the material and finding it wanting is perfectly appropriate for a reviewer - not that I have any respect for Isherwood, but I also don't find JCS to be a good piece of writing. The lyrics are ridiculous, and the story is merely laid out on the stage like a cartoon, not explored for any interesting meaning.
I think there are some decent lyrics and some typical Rice clunkers. Unlike Isherwood, I actually like "You're far too keen on where and how and not so hot on why."