Dead Outlaw (Musical) Lyrics

Album Overview.

"Dead Outlaw" is a musical inspired by the life of Elmer McCurdy, a failed outlaw whose embalmed body became a sideshow attraction for decades. The soundtrack captures the essence of this bizarre tale, blending dark humor with poignant reflections on mortality.

• Release Date: May 2, 2025


• Genre: Rockabilly, Folk, Musical Theater


• Length: 22 minutes (Part 1)


• Label: Yellow Sound Label / Audible


• Composers: David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna


• Book: Itamar Moses


• Director: David Cromer


• Orchestrations: Erik Della Penna, Dean Sharenow, David Yazbek

Production and Reception.

The musical premiered Off-Broadway at the Minetta Lane Theatre on March 10, 2024, and concluded its run on April 14, 2024. It received critical acclaim, winning three Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Book of a Musical, and Outstanding Lyrics.

Following its success, "Dead Outlaw" transferred to Broadway's Longacre Theatre, opening on April 27, 2025. The original Off-Broadway cast reprised their roles, bringing the macabre story to a wider audience.

Critic's reviews.

Critics have praised "Dead Outlaw" for its unique storytelling and musical composition. The Wall Street Journal described it as "a fascinatingly weird crime narrative" that offers "something new" to musical theater. The Washington Post highlighted its "lively rockabilly and folk-infused score" and its critical examination of America's commodification of death.

Track Highlights.

The Part 1 release of the soundtrack includes seven tracks:

1. "Ballad" by Andrew Durand: Introduces Elmer's story with a haunting melody.


2. "Dead" by Jeb Brown and Erik Della Penna: A boisterous declaration of mortality.


3. "Normal" by Erik Della Penna, Andrew Durand, and Julia Knitel: Explores the concept of normalcy in a world of oddities.


4. "Indian Train" by Andrew Durand: A rhythmic journey reflecting Elmer's travels.


5. "A Stranger" by Julia Knitel: A poignant solo capturing isolation and longing.


6. "Something From Nothing" by Eddie Cooper: Celebrates creation amidst chaos.


7. "Up to the Stars" by Thom Sesma: A celestial finale pondering legacy and remembrance.

Musical Styles and Themes.

The soundtrack weaves together rockabilly, folk, and traditional musical theater elements to create a soundscape that mirrors Elmer McCurdy's tumultuous journey. Themes of death, fame, and the human desire for recognition permeate the music, inviting listeners to reflect on their legacies.

Musical Background.

"Dead Outlaw" delves into the life of Elmer McCurdy, a man whose posthumous fame overshadowed his living years. The musical portrays his transformation from a failed outlaw to a sideshow spectacle, examining the societal fascination with death and notoriety.

Creation History of "Dead Outlaw".

The seed of "Dead Outlaw" was first planted in the mind of composer David Yazbek, best known for his sharply observational scores in musicals like "The Band's Visit" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". The concept fascinated him—a real-life outlaw turned mummified roadside attraction, a man more famous dead than alive. But this wasn’t just macabre curiosity; it was commentary. About fame. About America. About the spectacle of death.

Yazbek brought in his longtime collaborator, Erik Della Penna, a guitarist with roots in folk and experimental rock. Their goal wasn’t pastiche—it was raw Americana reimagined, filtered through dusty harmonicas and twisted guitars. You can hear it: in the shuffling percussion, in the haunting melodies, in lyrics that sound ripped from Depression-era newspapers.

They needed a story spine. That came in the form of Itamar Moses, who’d won a Tony for “The Band’s Visit.” Moses didn't just script Elmer's life; he fictionalized with surgical precision. He wove together archival reports, newspaper clippings, legend, and rumor. He imagined conversations that never happened but somehow felt truer than fact. He gave the dead man a voice.

The project had been gestating quietly for years. Yazbek first mentioned the idea in interviews as early as 2021, describing it as “weird” and “wonderfully dark.” Development started in readings and workshops in late 2022, with Audible Theater jumping on board. The company’s reputation for supporting experimental stage works helped solidify the show’s place Off-Broadway at the Minetta Lane Theatre.

The Minetta Lane run was the laboratory. That’s where it became clear this wasn’t just another offbeat bio-musical. Critics and audiences alike responded with stunned admiration. People laughed, gasped, even wept—at a mummy musical. The design team elevated the grimy mystique: Arnulfo Maldonado’s wood-and-steel set felt like a forgotten vaudeville stage; Heather Gilbert’s lighting turned death into neon poetry; Sarah Laux’s costumes leaned into period weirdness without kitsch.

By April 2024, it was obvious. "Dead Outlaw" couldn’t stay off Broadway. Audible and the producers announced its transfer to Broadway in December. Not a recast, not a reinvention. The original cast, the original vision—just a bigger stage and a louder echo.

The album’s first part dropped in May 2025, matching the show’s Broadway momentum. Instead of waiting to release the full soundtrack, the creators released it in parts, like acts of a strange, sepia-toned operetta. It gave fans a taste. Just enough to obsess over.

Main Cast of the Musical.

Andrew Durand as Elmer McCurdy.

Andrew Durand embodies the titular character, portraying his life and afterlife with depth and nuance.

Julia Knitel as Millicent Esper.

Julia Knitel brings warmth and complexity to Millicent, (character) who interacts with Elmer's legacy.

Thom Sesma as Dr. Thomas Noguchi.

Thom Sesma portrays the famed coroner, adding a layer of dark humor and reflection.

Jeb Brown as Walter Jarrett.

Jeb Brown serves as the bandleader and narrator, guiding the audience through Elmer's story.

Quotes.

"This rollicking, darkly hilarious, thoroughly original musical will knock you dead."

TimeOut NY

"It needs to be seen to be believed!"

Entertainment Weekly

"A glorious musical. DEAD OUTLAW IS UNMISSABLE."

USA Today

Release date: 2025
Last Update: May, 12th 2025