I love the Phantom music this year. I'm surprised that so many people are focussed on always having a strong story line. If a show has dynamic music, something entertaining to watch on the field, i.e. colorful flags, rifles and sabers (or violins, ski poles, whatever) tossed well and kids putting every ounce of their being into performing, I could give a rat's patootie if there is a powerful story line. I have enjoyed many shows over the years where I get a feeling of a theme but would never detect a specific story unless I read the bio.
For me, it is sooooo much more about the music and the heartfelt efforts of the members. Did I love Spartacus last year - you betcha! And I've loved other story-driven shows as well. Sometimes, strong story/character driven shows have totally missed the mark with me and I would just prefer to focus on watching the musicians perform or watch a terrific rifle line tossing and catching to perfection. I'm one of the fans that sits up close and wants to have my face blown off. Sometimes I even close my eyes....
This isn't DCI Drum Bugle and Theatre corps...............JMO of course. YMMV