” Dead Outlaw presents a truly eccentric tale, validated by Kate Navin, the head of creative development at Audible, who emphasized its authenticity during a special concert introducing the new musical. She reiterated the veracity of the narrative multiple times to underscore its reality.
The storyline of Dead Outlaw delves into the life and posthumous existence of Elmer McCurdy, an outlaw whose escapades in bank and train robberies were riddled with misfortunes. Spanning from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, McCurdy’s preserved body found its way from Oklahoma to the House of Horrors at Pike amusement park in Long Beach, California, where it was unearthed in 1976.
The musical boasts a stellar creative team, with David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna handling the music and lyrics, Itamar Moses penning the book, and David Cromer directing the production.
Yazbek, a Tony-winning writer and composer known for works like The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, the Band’s Visit, and Tootsie, stumbled upon McCurdy’s intriguing tale around 30 years ago. The story deeply resonated with him, prompting extensive research and introspection over the years. The enigmatic nature of McCurdy’s identity and the existential questions it raised fueled Yazbek’s creative process.
Teaming up with Della Penna, Yazbek crafted songs that captured the essence of this enigmatic figure. Eventually, Moses, a collaborator on the Band’s Visit, joined the project, shaping the narrative that spans 97 years. According to Yazbek, the musical encapsulates themes of fame, greed, memory, and death—essentially encapsulating the essence of American greatness.
Director David Cromer was captivated by the juxtaposition of the story’s bizarre, true-crime elements with the poignant musical score, describing it as a fusion of the sacred and the profane. The cast, including Jeb Brown, Eddie Cooper, Andrew Durand, and others, brings this unique tale to life on the stage, marking Audible Theater’s foray into the realm of musicals.
The characters in Dead Outlaw serve as a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that binds us all. Through themes of identity, ambition, and unfulfilled aspirations, the narrative explores the universal quest for significance and impact. The production’s collaborative ethos, spearheaded by the creative team, fosters a unique creative environment that encourages exploration and introspection.
The show’s movement director, Ani Taj, views Dead Outlaw as a celebration of life, tackling profound subjects with honesty and depth. Moses hopes that beyond entertainment, the audience will contemplate mortality and the pursuit of meaningful connections and endeavors.
In essence, Dead Outlaw weaves a narrative tapestry that transcends individual lives, inviting audiences to reflect on the interconnectedness of choices, the essence of existence, and the pursuit of enduring legacies.”