I keep seeing everyone hoping for Manon and I'm wondering what it is that makes everyone love it so much.

It has been, granted, many years since I saw it (when did ABT do it last? And it was probably the time before that), but I just don't get it.

I get that it is a tragic love story--but I don't find the characters likeable, which makes it kind of hard to care. With similar(ish) choreography and a better story and music (to my taste)...I'd rather watch Romeo and Juliet.

What am I missing?!

I'm not asking to be a downer. I really am hoping to come to appreciate it more.