At The Adobe Theater Jane and Cy Hoffman direct “Sundown,” the 2002 musical treatment of the immortal Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The Adobe production is billed as the “Western Premiere” although the play’s first performance was in Texas.
 

The historical shootout occurred in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, in October 1881, and although it lasted about a minute, the events have become iconic. I don’t know why, and this musical treatment doesn’t provide an explanation. The hero of “Sundown” is “Doc” Holliday, erstwhile dentist who moved west because of his tuberculosis. As the play opens, he is planning to leave Tombstone, but his friends the Earp brothers—Morgan, Virgil, and Wyatt—arrive and try to convince him to stay. More appealing is the appearance of Kate Fisher, a character loosely based on Holliday’s companion, affectionately known as “Big Nose Kate.” Tombstone is ruled by the Clantons—Ike and Billy—and the McLaurys—Frank and Tom. Friction arises between the groups, in part because of Kate, and the corral clash kills Billy, Frank, and Tom. That’s a lot to sing about.

The music is by Peter Link, and has, of course, a western sound. The lyrics by Larry Rosler include clever double rhymes, although the ballads’ words are predictable. “Stage From Phoenix” strikes me as a rip-off of “The Wells Fargo Wagon” from “Music Man.” The book by Rosler and Joe Bravaco is the weak link. The writers don’t know whether to stay with the cartoonish cowboys of “A Fly In The Ointment” or “One More Drink,” or move to a more profound musical discussion as in “Prisoner” or “Another Time.” The contrast is offensively evident when a Clanton quartet sings “We Ain’t Never Had It So Good” while the fifth member is raping Kate in prison. The voices are generally strong.

MacLean Zehler is powerful yet mellow as Holliday, and Ron Bronitsky portrays a vaguely dissipated Wyatt Earp with a good voice. His rollicking rendition of “Men Ain’t What They Used To Be” is fun. Hi Tillery is vocally vigorous as Tom, but he doesn’t make a convincing villain. After six songs, Stephanie Burch finally enters as Kate, drunk and sassy. The script affords little explanation for her transformation from raunchy rustler queen to loyal friend, but her duets with Zehler are pleasant. Burch also choreographs the movements that accompany the male choruses; it’s not Rockette science. TJ Cardella appears as the Woman in Black carrying a lily and waiting for Doc to die. I wish we had more of her sweet soprano voice. Linda Gilmour, Gretchen Amstutz, Vance Bass, Larry West, and Andrea Carvey provide fine accompaniment.

Like the corral, “Sundown” is OK.

“Sundown” at The Adobe Theater, 9813 Fourth NW, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 18. $12 general public, $10 seniors and students. Call 898-9222 for ticket information

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