I did not have problem running with a standard windows console application. The NullReferenceException occurred with ASP.NET project with MVC template.
Below are the steps to create the project (also see the attached screenshots):
1) Select New Project -> Web -> ASP.NET Web Application
2) Select MVC under ASP.NET 4.5.2 Templates
3) Select Cancel in "Configure Microsoft Azure Web App
4) After the new project is created, browse under Solution Explorer -> Controllers -> HomeController.cs
5) Add the reference to the LV DLL in the Index() method (see code from message 3 in this topic)
