What is The Cadaver Synod: A Pope Musical?
There are some moments in history that make you think... huh? This is one of those moments. And it's a musical now.
In the year 897 AD, Pope Stephen VII dug up the corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, and put the rotting body on trial in front of the entire Roman clergy, senate, and aristocracy. Literally dressed it up in its old Pope clothes, propped it up on a chair, and screamed accusations at the thing for hours while a whole host of onlookers nodded along. The only person assigned to defend the dead body was a teenage deacon, a sputtering, naive academic facing a righteous onslaught from the most holy and famous man on Earth.
Ultimately, Stephen had the corpse declared guilty of... crimes, and the body was dismembered, disrobed, and thrown in the Tiber River. If you think this is a spoiler, we assure you: there is so much more to it.
Why did Stephen do this? What could drive a man to execute a cadaver posthumously? And why, by all accounts, was he SO. VERY. ANGRY? These are the questions this musical seeks to answer. And our conclusions may not be what you expect.
After coming across this story in 2014, amateur bull rider and noted physicist Robbie Florian had visions of rock'n'roll popes, undulating bishops, and tap-dancing corpses dancing through his head (much akin to sugarplums 'round Christmastime). He has spent three years writing the book, music, and lyrics for the show, and now it is receiving its WORLD PREMIERE with the New York Musical Festival, headed by our brilliant director RYAN EMMONS (Groundhog Day, Matilda, Ghost) and our outstanding music director DAN GARMON (The Bad Years, The Other Side of Paradise, dangarmon.com). Together, they are creating a show unlike any other, combining a plethora of theatrical and musical genres into one ambitious, explosive happening.
What We Need & What You Get
We are looking to a goal of $45,000 to help us make this production as spectacular and mind-blowing as possible. Your money will go toward:
A cast of 13 INCREDIBLE ACTORS (soon to be announced)
COSTUMES to prevent them from being naked
MICROPHONES so we can hear them speak, sing, and ululate
PROPS that they can manipulate with their limbs
A GNARLY POPE CORPSE to make various hairs stand on end
A 5-PIECE BAND including drums, guitar, bass, piano, and brass to shake the theatre with the power of papal punk, pop, doo-wop, and ska (among others)
A SET to transport you to the beat-down Rome of the 9th century
REHEARSAL SPACE, PUBLICITY, INSURANCE, RUNNING CREW, PHOTOGRAPHY...
AND MUCH MORE!
Your money will go a long way. For example, a donation of $50 dollars pays for ALL OF OUR SCRIPTS. A donation of $200 CLOTHES AN ENTIRE ACTOR head to toe. $500 pays for the very crux of our show: THE POPE CORPSE. $2,000 covers THE WHOLE SET. $3,000 - THE WHOLE BAND. $5,000 would mean our entire REHEARSAL PROCESS would be completely and totally paid for!!!
In addition, your contribution gives you access to a wide variety of perks that allow you to be an even greater part of the show. Take a look to the right side of the page to see our many amazing perks, everything from a mention in the program, to a personalized thank you song from our entire cast, to free invites to our opening night party! We want to make sure that you understand just how happy we are to have you be a part of our passion.
We have the versatility of experience (from Broadway regulars to festival veterans) and the utter willpower to make this show a unique theatrical experience for all. Your investment will be utilized to the full extent of its value and beyond. It is our goal to show you what your contribution can accomplish in the hands of determined and impassioned creators.
Why This Show?
Though the specifics of this strange historical event might seem shocking, we find a surprising amount of parallels between 897 and 2017. Spectacle over substance, in political, social, and personal spheres, is nothing new, and has taken many shocking forms over the centuries. The show does not seek to proselytize, teach, or scold. We simply wish to explore innate tendencies toward control and categorization that end up conflicting with our unique ability to show altruism and empathy, and how a few individuals navigated these trappings while living in a famously corrupt and immoral time.
Also, there's a part where the dead pope's severed fingers come to life as a Ronettes/Supremes-type group and sing about flowers.
Other Ways You Can Help
Share share share! If you know anyone who might like to invest in new musical theatre, or contribute to young, ambitious artists, send this page along... help us get the word out there! Friends, co-workers, parents, grandparents, children, obscure cousins - anyone! This show is years in the making and we want to do everything we can to not only make sure our production is of the highest quality, but to also involve as many people as humanly possible in our vision. We want everyone to know and care about the Cadaver Synod as much as we do, because this moment in history has a right to see life in the 21st century!
LET'S DO THIS.
