Broadway's 'Death Becomes Her' Debuts: A Wickedly Humorous Musical Revival Extends Ticket Sales
November 22, 2024After much anticipation and speculation, 'Death Becomes Her' has made its Broadway debut following a successful initial run in Chicago, with ticket sales extended through next summer.
The musical numbers stand out with witty lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, adding a playful twist to the original film's score.
The musical adaptation has expanded the story's runtime from 104 to 135 minutes, focusing on the fierce rivalry between Madeline, played by Megan Hilty, and Helen, portrayed by Jennifer Simard.
Central to the plot is a magical potion that allows both women to defy death, setting the stage for a comedic and gory battle between them.
Unlike many adaptations that soften character flaws, this version retains the wickedness of its leads, showcasing both women’s unpleasant traits throughout the performance.
Megan Hilty's performance is strong, while Jennifer Simard provides comedic highlights; however, Michelle Williams' portrayal has been noted as the weakest.
The themes of aging anxieties and beauty standards resonate strongly today, making the stage reimagining feel both timely and relevant.
The narrative begins with a struggling show led by Madeline, exploring her tumultuous career and escalating competition with Helen, who becomes increasingly glamorous.
Overall, the Broadway version of 'Death Becomes Her' is celebrated as a top-tier crowd-pleaser, effectively bringing the beloved story to life in a fresh format.
Since its original release, 'Death Becomes Her' has maintained cultural relevance, inspiring drag tributes, Halloween costumes, and comparisons to modern media.
The stage adaptation successfully captures the film's special effects and physical comedy through clever choreography and stage tricks.
Summary based on 1 source
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Source
The Guardian • Nov 22, 2024
Death Becomes Her review – 90s comedy gets dazzling Broadway rebirth