Yes, I suppose that first question was slightly rhetorical. It's interesting that a crappy piece of writing is seen as a hot commodity as long as the source title is familiar. I imagine Shrek and other famous-title flops will fare equally well in summer stock and community theatre.
That's one of the main reasons shows push so hard to come to Broadway. The exposure and recognition open the door for rights licensing after the show closes, and even if it isn't a financial success (as with SHREK and LEGALLY BLONDE), investors go into it intending to take an initial loss in order to break even or turn a profit later. I remember it was rumored that the only reason 13 got on Broadway was so JRB and the producers could increase demand for the school/stock rights.
Sure, sure, makes sense - it's just a really different model from the past.
I wonder how many stock companies were competing to do shows like Oh Captain, I Had A Ball, Dude, Merlin, or The Girl Who Came to Supper in the years after they recently flopped?
Maybe they'll make Sally Struthers as Mrs. Lovett happen next! Sally Struthers as Dot in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE? Sally Struthers as Mame? The possibilities are endless.