When it comes to creating a musical, the possibilities are endless. From love stories to historical figures, there is no limit to what can be transformed into an engaging and entertaining production. However, composers David Yazbek and Erik Della Valle have pushed the boundaries in their latest project, a musical centered around a corpse. And according to them, it’s the definition of exciting “f—ing theater.”
The duo, who previously worked together on the Tony Award-winning musical “The Band’s Visit,” have once again joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. Their upcoming production, titled “The Outsider,” tells the story of a foul-mouthed, sharp-witted corpse who comes to life and narrates his own death and the events that led up to it.
In a recent interview, Yazbek and Della Valle opened up about their unconventional approach to musical theater and why they believe it will break barriers and captivate audiences.
“It’s not every day you get to work on a musical with a corpse as the lead character,” Yazbek chuckled. “But that’s what makes it so thrilling. We wanted to challenge ourselves and our audience with something unexpected and audacious.”
The idea for “The Outsider” came to Yazbek and Della Valle while they were discussing potential projects. They both wanted to create a production that would not only entertain but also make a statement and push the boundaries of what is considered “normal” in the theater world.
“We wanted to take a risk and do something bold and provocative,” Della Valle explained. “We wanted to create a show that would make people think and feel, and ultimately, leave a lasting impression on them.”
But creating a musical with a corpse as the main character was no easy feat. The duo had to carefully consider the tone and approach of the production to ensure that it would not come off as distasteful or offensive.
“We were very conscious of not wanting to make light of death or make fun of it in any way,” Yazbek stated. “The Outsider may be a corpse, but he’s also a complex and multidimensional character with thoughts, feelings, and a story to tell.”
The duo also faced the challenge of finding the right balance between the dark and humorous elements of the show. They wanted to incorporate humor to lighten the heavy subject matter, but at the same time, they didn’t want it to overshadow the important themes and messages in the story.
“It was a delicate balance, but we believe we have found the perfect mix,” Della Valle shared. “There’s a lot of heart and depth to this show, and we hope the audience will be able to connect with the characters and their journey.”
As for why they believe “The Outsider” is the definition of exciting “f—ing theater,” Yazbek and Della Valle explained that it’s because of the risks they have taken and the barriers they have broken.
“We’re not afraid to push boundaries and challenge the norms of musical theater,” Yazbek stated. “We want to create a conversation and spark emotions in our audience, and that’s what truly makes theater exciting.”
They also hope that the show will attract a diverse audience, including those who may not typically be interested in musicals.
“We want to reach a wider audience and show them that musical theater can be edgy, thought-provoking, and badass,” Della Valle added. “We want to break the stereotype that musicals are all rainbows and sunshine. We’re here to shake things up and make some noise.”
As the release date for “The Outsider” approaches, both Yazbek and Della Valle are excited to see how audiences will react to their unconventional musical. And while the concept may be bold and daring, they hope that at its core, the show will leave a lasting impact on those who experience it.
“We’re proud of what we’ve created, and we can’t wait for people to see it,” Yazbek expressed. “It may not be for everyone, but we believe that those who do come to see it will have a unique and unforgettable theater experience.”
In a world where conformity often reigns, it’s refreshing to see artists like Yazbek and Della Valle break the mold and push the boundaries of what is considered “normal.” And with “The Outsider,” they have certainly created a show that is exciting, innovative, and, in their own words, “f—ing theater” at its finest.
