Death Becomes Her, a dazzling transformation from screen to stage, promises to captivate Broadway audiences with its star-studded cast and supernatural charm. The highly anticipated musical adaptation of the 1992 cult classic film opens Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, promising a spectacle of immortality, rivalry, and the price of eternal youth.
Leading the extraordinary ensemble are Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, who bring fresh life to the iconic roles of Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp. The rivalry between these characters takes center stage as they discover a magical potion that grants eternal youth—with some hilariously twisted side effects.
“I have this number in the show that’s quite funny,” Hilty reveals, “but it taps into something unbearably honest about the lengths women will go to feel relevant in this industry.” Her character, Madeline, embodies the struggles of aging actresses in show business, a theme that resonates deeply with modern audiences.
The production features an impressive creative team, with Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli both directing and choreographing. The show boasts a clever book by Marco Pennette and an original score by Broadway newcomers Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, whose fresh perspective brings new energy to this supernatural tale.
Christopher Sieber steps into the role of Ernest Menville, while Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams transforms into the mysterious Viola Van Horn. Williams, known for her work with Destiny’s Child, brings a measured approach to her character. “This is Broadway,” she notes. “This isn’t church, nor is this the R&B pop stage.”
The show’s creative team has tackled the challenge of bringing the film’s famous special effects to the stage. Gattelli and his team have crafted innovative solutions for the movie’s most memorable scenes, including Madeline’s backward-head moment and Helen’s infamous pool scene. These theatrical illusions have already earned enthusiastic responses from preview audiences.
The Production Features Stunning Visual Elements:
- Derek McLane, a two-time Tony Award winner, designed the scenic design.
- Costume design by Tony Award winner Paul Tazewell
- Lighting design by Tony Award winner Justin Townsend
- Charles LaPointe designed the hair and wigs.
Supporting the main cast is a talented ensemble featuring Marija Abney, Lauren Celentano, Sarita Colon, and many others who bring this supernatural story to life through elaborate dance numbers and powerful vocal performances.
The musical tackles timeless themes about beauty, aging, and self-worth, all while maintaining the camp and comedy that made the original film a cult classic. “The audience knows what pain and insecurity feel like,” Simard reflects. “There’s comedy to come out of those things.”
As Broadway welcomes this new production, “Death Becomes Her” promises to deliver what audiences crave: spectacular performances, unforgettable music, and a reminder that the pursuit of eternal youth comes at a price—though in this case, that price includes plenty of laughter.
For those seeking pure entertainment, Christopher Sieber puts it best: “I think we’re ready to laugh now for two and a half hours. If you’re coming to ‘Death Becomes Her’ for a lesson, you’re missing the point completely.”
Tickets are now available for this must-see production, which began previews on October 23, 2024, at the historic Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Don’t miss your chance to witness this supernatural spectacle that proves some rivalries truly are eternal.