Trial Run Productions will bring a double bill of original musical comedies, “Gunfight at the Not-So-OK Saloon” and “Does Not Compute,” to the John Cullum Theatre (314 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019) for a limited four-performance engagement from May 15–17.
The production marks the New York City premiere for both works, which were created by composer Brooke deRosa. The evening pairs a Wild West parody with a near-future sci-fi comedy, blending Gilbert & Sullivan-style wit with contemporary themes of artificial intelligence and human connection.
“Gunfight at the Not-So-OK Saloon,” featuring a book, music, and lyrics by deRosa, follows a traveler named Chance as he searches for a lost love in an off-kilter version of the Old West. The musical previously earned “Pick of the Fringe” and the John Raitt Award for Best Music and Lyrics at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
“The jokes are fast, the stakes are high, and the harmonies are delightfully ridiculous,” deRosa said. “It’s a love letter to classic musical theater, with a cowboy hat and a wink.”
The second half of the bill, “Does Not Compute,” features music by deRosa and lyrics by Kelsey Johnson. The story follows a couple who purchase domestic robots, only to find themselves struggling to explain the concept of love to their mechanical helpers. Originally commissioned by Cowtown Opera Company, the piece explores the blurring lines between human emotion and artificial intelligence.
“Now that AI is everywhere, the show feels even more timely,” deRosa noted. “At its core, it’s not about robots. It’s about humanity and what happens when our own creations start reflecting us back.”
The New York cast includes Christopher Anderson-West, Nandani Sinha, Phil Meyer, Jonathan Matthews, and Spencer Allen, among others. The production features choreography by Liza Barskaya and direction by Judy Louise Johnson and deRosa.
Performances are scheduled for Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m. The production has a total runtime of two hours and is recommended for audiences ages 12 and older.
General admission tickets are $50 plus fees. Click here to purchase tickets.
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