'Dead Outlaw' is an eccentric musical recounting the life of Elmer McCurdy, a criminal whose mummified remains were showcased across America. While the original version exuded a scrappy charm, the Broadway adaptation, now directed by David Cromer, faces challenges in maintaining engagement. Though it features an inventive score and clever narrative concepts, including a predominantly silent McCurdy, the play suffers from pacing issues and feels stunted in its broader stage space compared to its former, more intimate venue.
The notion that McCurdy's life and afterlife were exploited reveals a sad truth, highlighting how our fascination with death can be both morbid and commercial.
While the original production had a scrappy charm, the Broadway iteration of 'Dead Outlaw' struggles under the weight of its expanded setting and expectations.
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