Elmer McCurdy, a little-known outlaw from the Wild West, finds his story celebrated in the new musical “Dead Outlaw.” Conceived by David Yazbek, with a book by Itamar Moses and a score by Yazbek along with Erik Della Penna, the production brings a blend of Country-Western Pop and dark humor to the stage.
McCurdy, whose life was fraught with challenges, experienced a troubled childhood and battled alcoholism. Despite being skilled in plumbing, the economic conditions led him to a life of crime, and his limited knowledge of explosives resulted in more destruction than gain. Following a failed train robbery, McCurdy was killed by a posse, and his body went unclaimed. Preserved with an arsenic solution, his remains took on a bizarre journey—displayed as a sideshow attraction and mistaken for a wax figure until reality was revealed by a television crew.
“Dead Outlaw” narrates this odd tale through a lively Hee-Haw country western revue style. Andrew Durand stars as Elmer, delivering a unique performance that includes an impressive second act where he remains motionless in a coffin. The ensemble cast, including Eddie Cooper, Dashiell Eaves, and Julia Knitel, brings vigor to the various roles, while Arnulfo Maldonado’s barn-like set and Sarah Laux’s period costumes contribute to the show’s authentic atmosphere.
Over the course of a brisk 90 minutes, “Dead Outlaw” explores the life and legacy of Elmer McCurdy, showcasing how he inadvertently gained fame posthumously. While the musical delivers laughs and poignant moments, it is a unique theatrical experience that invites audiences to reflect on the flawed nature of fame and the sometimes grim realities of life and death.
The show is currently being presented at the Longacre Theatre in New York. For more details or to secure tickets, visitors can check out deadoutlawmusical.com.