Welcome to Dead John! In the world of art, one question never goes away: how much are you willing to sacrifice? Dead John throws that question into a hellishly comedic spotlight. The show follows female rock band Third Twin on the verge of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction—until their rhythm guitarist is killed onstage in a freak accident. Now, they have to pull together “for the music.”
For our Fringe Festival debut, we’re going big: a 90-minute original rock musical with a 10-person cast, 13 fully original songs, and four full-scale death sequences. We’ve spent years building this band from the ground up, and we’re ready to share it.
Developed in 2024 by composer Tyler Stein (NYU/Berklee) and writer Logan Horberg (SIU), Dead John blends an all-female cast with high-energy ’80s rock. Inspired in part by the “Paul is dead” conspiracy, the story imagines a band discovering that the wild rumors surrounding them might actually be true. It’s a dark, funny look at fame, identity, and how far someone might go to hold onto the spotlight.
We’re seeking support to cover essential production costs—venue, lighting, effects, costumes, and paying our cast. Every dollar helps bring this ambitious show to life. By backing Dead John, you’re joining us at the ground floor of a bold new musical. When everything feels like it’s falling apart, art brings us back together—and we’re turning the dial up to 13.
Thank you for supporting original theater and being part of the journey.
Organizer
