Death Becomes Her Shows in New York
Death Becomes Her is a Broadway musical adaptation of the 1992 film of the same name, directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis. This musical version boasts a book by Marco Pennette and music and lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey. Making its world premiere at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago in May 2024, the show has since moved to Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, captivating audiences with its blend of humor, satire, and unforgettable performances. Here’s all you need to know about Death Becomes Her in Broadway theater, NYC.
Story Overview
Death Becomes Her is a darkly comedic musical that follows the lives of two fiercely competitive women, Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp. Their once-close friendship takes a sinister turn when Madeline, a fading actress, steals Helen’s fiancé, the plastic surgeon Ernest Menville. Consumed by envy and a desperate desire to regain her youth and beauty, Helen seeks a drastic solution.
Enter Viola Van Horn, a mysterious figure who promises eternal youth and beauty through a magical potion. Desperate to outshine Madeline, Helen embraces the offer, unaware of the terrifying consequences. Madeline, sensing her rival’s newfound radiance, becomes equally obsessed with preserving her own appearance and also turns to Viola.
As the effects of the potion take hold, the women’s rivalry intensifies, leading to a series of outrageous and often deadly encounters. Their obsession with youth and beauty becomes a consuming force, driving them to extreme lengths. The once-charming Ernest finds himself caught in the crossfire of their escalating feud, his life turned upside down by the two women’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
The musical delves into themes of vanity, obsession, and the lengths people will go to maintain their youthful appearance. It’s a darkly comic exploration of human nature, filled with witty dialogue, catchy songs, and unexpected twists. Death Becomes Her is a thrilling and entertaining spectacle that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Cast Information
Main Cast
- Madeline Ashton: Played by Megan Hilty, Madeline is a vain and self-obsessed actress who goes to extreme lengths to stay young and beautiful.
- Helen Sharp: Portrayed by Jennifer Simard, Helen is Madeline’s long-time rival, whose life takes a dramatic turn after taking the potion.
- Ernest Menville: Christopher Sieber plays Ernest, Madeline’s husband, who finds himself in the middle of Madeline and Helen’s antics.
- Viola Van Horn: Michelle Williams takes on the role of Viola, the enigmatic figure who provides the potion. This character is a reimagined version of Lisle von Rhuman from the original film.
Ensemble and Supporting Cast
The ensemble features talented performers who bring additional energy and complexity to the musical. Notable ensemble members include:
- Stefan: Played by Josh Lamon, Madeline’s long-suffering assistant.
- Immortals: The ensemble members who represent Viola’s followers, adding a mystical and theatrical element to the show.
Venue Details
The Broadway production of Death Becomes Her is held at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, a historic venue known for hosting major Broadway productions. The theater’s state-of-the-art facilities and intimate setting make it an ideal location for this vibrant musical.
Reviews
Death Becomes Her has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The Chicago production was particularly praised for its campy humor, clever adaptation of the film, and standout performances. Megan Hilty’s portrayal of Madeline Ashton has been highlighted as a career-defining role, while Jennifer Simard and Michelle Williams have been lauded for their strong supporting performances.
Critics have also commended the musical for its vibrant costumes, dynamic set design, and engaging musical numbers. The direction and choreography by Christopher Gattelli have been described as inventive and visually stunning, contributing significantly to the overall success of the show.
Songs and Popular Numbers
Death Becomes Her features a diverse and engaging soundtrack that enhances the storytelling and character development. Some of the standout songs include:
- For the Gaze: An opening number performed by Madeline that sets the tone for her character’s vanity and ambition.
- That Was Then, This is Now: A duet between Helen and Ernest that highlights their relationship dynamics.
- (I See) Me!: A solo by Madeline that delves into her obsession with her own appearance.
- Disrespect Me (The Stairs): A duet between Madeline and Helen, full of tension and rivalry.
- Hit Me Like You Mean It: A powerful number featuring Helen, Madeline, and Ernest, showcasing their complicated relationships.
Among these, “For the Gaze” and “Hit Me Like You Mean It” are particularly popular with audiences for their catchy tunes and memorable performances.
Awards and Recognition
Since its premiere, Death Becomes Her has garnered critical acclaim and several awards. The Chicago production received praise for its direction, choreography, and performances, especially highlighting Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, and Michelle Williams. As the show continues its run on Broadway, it is expected to be a strong contender in upcoming theater award seasons.
Show Schedule and Duration
Death Becomes Her runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. The show schedule typically includes:
- Evening Performances: Tuesday to Saturday at 8:00 PM
- Matinee Performances: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 PM
From Screen to Stage: Differences Between the Film and Musical
The musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her brings the iconic film to life in a new and exciting way. While the core concept of two rivaling women seeking eternal youth remains intact, the stage production offers unique interpretations and expansions of the original story.
One of the most noticeable differences lies in the musical’s focus on character development. The stage allows for a deeper exploration of Madeline, Helen, and Ernest’s motivations and complexities. Their relationships are given more depth, and the audience gains a richer understanding of their desires and fears.
The musical also expands on the supporting characters, giving them more prominent roles and backstories. This creates a more populated and dynamic world, adding layers to the overall narrative.
Furthermore, the stage adaptation takes advantage of the live performance medium to incorporate elements of spectacle and theatricality. The musical numbers, costumes, and set design contribute to a visually stunning and immersive experience. While the film relied heavily on special effects, the musical finds creative ways to bring the supernatural elements to life on stage.
Finally, the ending of the musical diverges from the film’s conclusion, offering a fresh perspective on the characters’ fates. This allows for a more open-ended and thought-provoking conclusion, inviting audience interpretation and discussion.
Food and Beverage Options
The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre offers a selection of refreshments to enjoy during your visit. You can purchase a variety of beverages, including soft drinks, water, and alcoholic options. For a light bite, the theater also provides a limited food menu. Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the theater.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Witness This Hilarious Battle for Immortality!
Death Becomes Her in NYC theaters is a must-see for fans of the film and anyone seeking a night of laughter and thrilling entertainment. The musical takes you on a wild ride as two fiercely competitive women, Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp, become entangled in a desperate fight against aging. Their rivalry escalates to outrageous and often deadly lengths when they encounter Viola Van Horn, a mysterious figure offering a solution that’s too good to be true.
This captivating show features a talented cast, led by the phenomenal Megan Hilty as the self-absorbed actress Madeline. Jennifer Simard delivers a delightful performance as Helen, Madeline’s long-suffering rival. Christopher Sieber brings comedic flair to the role of Ernest, caught in the crossfire between the two women. And Michelle Williams adds a touch of intrigue as the enigmatic Viola Van Horn.
The musical boasts a catchy and diverse soundtrack that perfectly complements the story. Standout songs like “For the Gaze” and “Hit Me Like You Mean It” are sure to stay with you long after the curtain falls. With stunning visuals, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists, Death Becomes Her is a theatrical triumph that will leave you both laughing and gasping.
