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Dead Outlaw has officially debuted on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre! This new musical features a book by Itamar Moses, with music and lyrics from David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, under the direction of David Cromer. The cast, including Andrew Durand as Elmer McCurdy, Jeb Brown as Band Leader/Jarrett, and others, reprises their roles from the Off-Broadway run.
Dead Outlaw presents the darkly comedic, astonishing tale of Elmer McCurdy, an outlaw whose afterlife adventures surpass his life experiences. The musical delves into themes such as fame, failure, and the significance—or lack thereof—of one’s legacy, reminding audiences that even in death, there’s life to be embraced.
Critics have shared their insights on this new production:
Jesse Green, New York Times: The authors demonstrate respect for the audience by allowing us to piece together the humor from contrasts and surprises. This rare approach on Broadway prompts us to reflect on our existence and what we should do while we are here. Dead Outlaw has the makings of a lasting impact.
Adam Feldman, TimeOut: The writing is sharp and clever, with energetic music that fits seamlessly with Cromer’s direction. The show, initially part of Audible Theater’s Off-Broadway series, maintains a podcast-like spontaneity, exploring various intriguing tangents with a talented ensemble supporting Durand’s stable performance at the center.
Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly: In a landscape filled with adaptations of established franchises, it’s invigorating to see original creations like Dead Outlaw gaining traction. Its eccentric charm and emotional depth make Elmer McCurdy’s story unforgettable.
Greg Evans, Deadline: Durand and the cast elevate the narrative, offering dignity to even the most overlooked lives. A blend of absurdity and gravity, the musical honors Elmer’s memory, reminding us of the significance of names, both famous and otherwise.
Johnny Oleksinski, New York Post: The production evokes a blend of rebel rock and dry humor reminiscent of Coen Brothers films. However, a lack of urgency in its delivery diminishes its impact.
Charles McNulty, LA Times: The musical cleverly parodies Vegas culture, showcasing Thom Sesma as the charismatic coroner. Its minimalist choreography complements the show’s unique charm while maintaining a sense of surreal storytelling.
Tim Teeman, Daily Beast: Durand effectively portrays McCurdy, spending substantial time as a lifeless figure, bringing a chilling dimension to the character while others, like Knitel, express poignant emotions relating to their interactions with him.
Patrick Ryan, USA Today: The production confronts the commercialization of death, often bluntly highlighting a grim reality that resonates through cheeky musical numbers, compelling the audience to acknowledge their mortality while laughing.
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune: Yazbek’s creative vision shines through as he explores themes of existential dread and the commodification of life and death, leaving an open question about the show’s potential success in the bustling Broadway landscape.
David Cote, Observer: With catchy melodies and profound lyrics, Yazbek’s composition stands out as one of the best in recent Broadway history, bridging the gap between satire and profound artistry that reflects his singer-songwriter roots.
Steven Suskin, New York Stage Review: The ensemble’s strength is commendable, particularly Durand’s nuanced portrayal of McCurdy, exhibiting a wide emotional range even when depicting his character at the brink of immobility.
Michael Sommers, New York Stage Review: As the last highlight of the 2024-2025 Broadway season, Dead Outlaw shares thematic similarities with similar shows but maintains its own unique comedic narrative, capturing the American absurdity.
Gillian Russo, New York Theatre Guide: The brisk pacing of Itamar Moses’s script, featuring a wide array of characters, creates a thrilling, albeit sparse, emotional landscape that prioritizes humor over depth.
Andrew Martini, Theatrely: Ultimately, Dead Outlaw presents a compelling yet twisted take on Elmer’s life after death, challenging audiences to confront the ethical dilemmas surrounding fame and mortality in America.
Thom Geier, Culture Sauce: The production is a vivid exploration of an often-overlooked chapter in American history, marrying humor and poignancy to reveal the darker aspects of the American Dream.
Brian Scott Lipton, Cititour: I wished the narrative had delved deeper into America’s fascination with the macabre and its societal implications, as a more insightful commentary could have added significant depth to the overall experience.
Average Rating: 84.4%
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Source
www.broadwayworld.com