Dead Outlaw

"Dead Outlaw" at Longacre Theatre is a different kind of musical. The band is the center issue here; the stage is at the front and center and the band leader (Jeb Brown) also narrates the performance. The Longacre is made into a country music stage. On a turnstile set (Arnulfo Maldonado) the band is positioned at various points during the show.

The plot follows Elmer McCurdy (Andrew Durand), a one time train robber who originally wanted to be a doctor or plumber until fate has dealt him in a different deck of cards. Durand is flexible; he has a good singing voice with very good acting chops.

The story is part farce; part based on truth. McCurdy has died at a young age. The entire play is based on what happens to Elmer after he dies. The farce of the musical is that he is more important dead than when he was alive (I don't want to give too much of the show away).

Written by Itamar Moses and directed by David Cromer, the play succeeds because of the comic "business" between the actors. Where the music never wows (David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna) write a variety of songs; from Country Music to Punk Rock, the songs never give value added to this show. The real strength lies in the book and its direction.

Usually songs on Broadway support the action onstage. Here, the songs splinter from the plot at times, often confusing the audience. While the band is excellent, I think better written songs would have made this a must see. Instead, while entertaining, the show is a solid B because of the song selection.

Not all of the songs were irrelevant in terms of the show. Songs like: "Killed a Man in Maine", "Indian Trail", "A Stranger", "Our Dear Brother", and "Up To The Stars" were all solid songs and pertained to the plot. I am not sure how the song "Dead" came into the show. It was played several times during the show and really wasn't pertinent toward the show.

The ensemble cast is spunky... Eddie Cooper, Dashiell Eaves, Julia Knitel, Ken Marks, Trent Saunders and Thom Sesma are all terrific. They bring both comedy and farce to a laughable head throughout the 100 minute intermission-less show.

The county theme of the show was done in excellent costuming by Sarah Laux. Really special in this show was the lighting. Heather Gilbert held a strong back-beat to the shows personality. Often in cool blues and whites, the romantic lighting was spot on capturing the shows essence. Kai Harada too hit the mark with her sound design. In this spoof-of-A-show, Harada assisted the laughs with various sound formations.

"Dead Outlaw" is indeed a different kind of show. It is not for everybody because of its unique presentation to the audience. Here different is good; the show for the most part works. Even though it has its lulls at times, it keeps us entertained. Andrew Durand does a wonderful job as the lead. His versatility and dexterity keeps us intrigued.

As the jammed packed spring theater season comes to an end (Just In Time is the last show of the season), "Dead Outlaw" is one that theater goers will talk about. While it may not be named for any Tony Awards, this show could run for a decent amount of time on Broadway. More of a concert than a musical, "Dead Outlaw" maybe the right recipe for the theater goer who wants something different.

Broadway, Tony Awards, "Dead Outlaw", Aladdin"," The Lion King", "Wicked", "Just In Time", "Harry Potter", "The Book of Mormon".