Broadway's 'Death Becomes Her' Debuts: A Wickedly Humorous Musical Revival Extends Ticket Sales

November 22, 2024
Broadway's 'Death Becomes Her' Debuts: A Wickedly Humorous Musical Revival Extends Ticket Sales
  • After 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.

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