The Arizona Rose Theatre Company will present “”Tombstone: The Musical,”” a tale of the Wild West and of the O.K. Corral’s infamous gunfight. However, the old story will be told from a different and often overlooked perspective – female.
The musical centers on the legendary gunfight Oct. 26, 1881, at the O.K. Corral and includes infamous characters like Wyatt and Virgil Earp, John Henry “”Doc”” Holliday and the notorious Clanton gang, but it is told from the perspective of Nellie Cashman, a caretaker for miners.
The idea was conceived by Cynthia Howell and her late husband Terry, the company’s creators, when their family took a trip to Tombstone.
Cynthia said that while visiting the courthouse, they were intrigued by a picture of Cashman. “”We became curious about her and began to research her,”” she said.
“”We tried to recreate what we thought was the closest account of what happened,”” said Cynthia’s son Brandon.
The Arizona Historical Society echoed his thoughts, stating it was the most accurate account of these western events.
“”(Everything is accurate) even down to the props and the costumes, but to get period props and costumes is a challenge (due to theatrical licenses),”” Brandon said.
Luke Howell, a media arts senior, plays the role of “”Doc”” Holliday in the musical.
“”I was interested in playing the role I’m playing because he was a very interesting character and a rebel at his time,”” Luke said.
For Luke, the hardest part about becoming his character was stepping into the mind of a ruthless gunfighter like Holliday. “”It’s hard to imagine someone who can murder in the course of his job, just as part of his work,”” he said. “”I had to find that kind of mentality.””
Cynthia will be directing the production. Terry wrote the book and lyrics and also composed the music with Brandon. The show premiered in 1996 and since then has been shown since a few times over the years with the last performance in 2005.
The show was well received with audiences, with even Wyatt Earp’s great-nephew traveling to Tucson for the musical.
“”Tombstone: The Musical”” will be performed Feb. 17, 18, 23 and 25 at the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. The show is at 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $14 before the show and $15 at the door.
