At the other extreme were misguided attempts to turn the works of hallowed authors into “family” musicals.

Bethesda’s Round House Theatre produced A Murder, a Mystery, and a Marriage: A Mark Twain Musical Melodrama, based on a little-known story that Twain probably hoped would remain that way. It was corny enough to cause carb overload. The musical version of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women at the Kennedy Center didn’t fare much better. Even when the KenCen offered discounted tickets, theatergoers stayed home and read the book.