I had to read it in French in HS - that was a drag.
The musical version is not “too happy”. You’re getting the wrong impression. It’s a tearjerker & very poignant. Don’t let a song like “Master of the House” mislead you. It’s actually there to provide some emotional relief.
Thanks. I’m collecting the responses and will try to form a better opinion of the musical. I don’t like reading or listening to professional reviewers because they impose their values into their critique. I like to read what the people who’ve seen them have to say about it.