I don't think anyone is really surprised. What is kind of surprising is the REASON. Initially, there were reports that the New York opening might be delayed due to rewrites - specifically the opening, the Phantom's entrance, and, possibly, the ending. Yes, all of these things could use a re-write, but...that isn't enough to improve the show to an acceptable piece of theatre.
Reports the last few days have made no mention of rewrites taking place, but site ALW's "post operative" complications for causing the delay.
Now, here's the thing - I don't doubt ALW's health issues factor into the delay, and I wish him all the best in his recovery. However, the only restriction his doctors seem to have placed on him is flying - meaning he can't make the trans-Atlantic flight to NYC. The articles claim this means he would not be able to participate in the audition process and post-production.
Really? Let's look at this from a realistic stand-point, shall we? ALW is not going to attend the open call auditions. Oh, he may pop in and out from time to time to check on things and chit-chat with the casting director or something (as he has on his BBC casting shows) - and this can EASILY be done through something like SKYPE - but, sitting through an all day required call where pretty much anyone can come in and audition? No. This industry doesn't work like that.
The reality is, once the casting people have narrowed the selection down to 3 or 4 actor's, then ALW will take a more active role in casting. ALW will have the final say in casting. I imagine he'll want to coach the final contenders. There is no reason that needs to take place in New York. It's easy enough to fly the top contenders to London for this - and it is not an uncommon practice.
Other pre-production issues...well, honestly, I have no idea what else ALW would be involved with in this instance. There is already a production up and running, and he has a very competent team of people working for him. Technology is at a point where anything ALW needs to do pre-production can be dealt with without his physically being in New York. In fact, in the early 90's, Howard Ashman participated in recording sessions for Beauty and the Beast quite literally from his death bed with much less sophisticated technology than is available to ALW today.
Just random musings of a New York soprano on whatever happens to strike her fancy at the moment.
I'm not saying his health isn't a legit issue, I'm saying there are DEFINITE work arounds that would allow LND to open as scheduled - if the show were truly in a state to BE opened.
Suck it up. Admit there are serious flaws with the show (we're not blind or deaf and have been screaming at you about them from the first) and tell us the truth - the show's NY opening is delayed due to needed re-writes. In the end, I hope the NY production goes the way of the NY production of the Beautiful Game and never arrives on Broadway.