Some people think that life would be better if it lasted eternally. But that does not sound like a wish you want to fulfill. Everything will inevitably pass. As we experience, life is not usually sunshine and rainbows. Well, that is not the case for Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp. One of them wants to live life to its fullest, and by all means, she wants it forever, and the other plots revenge. Both want to remain perfect as long as they can until Death Becomes Her.
Well, the never-ending story of Death Becomes Her is now on stage where it should be. The drop-dead comedic movie has never gone stale. And it sure is that there are a lot of expectations for the musical iteration. But it is safe to say that it is going to be so much more than spray paints, cinched waists, and red lipstick. This is going to be a hilarious take on the classic movie. See the show at the Cadillac Palace Theatre this spring. It is time to drink the potion!
Death Becomes Her Tickets
“Life’s a bitch and then you die. Or not!”
“Beauty is in the vial of the holder.”
More than 30 years ago, Death Becomes Her became a cult classic. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, was received well for its clever use of comedy, state-of-the-art special effects, and great casting. The movie was a blockbuster hit, not only in the US but internationally. Central to its success was the chemistry between Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, supported by their love interest portrayed by Bruce Willis. Both are exceptional actresses and have worked before in serious roles. Their refreshing and witty acting as frienemies was phenomenal and remains a pop culture moment that will never be forgotten. On the other hand, what made it stand out was its utilization of special effects never used before. During that time, it was considered revolutionary, leading to an Oscar and BAFTA win for Best Visual Effects. The team behind the visual effects then worked on movies like Jurassic Park, which is considered among the 90s movies with spectacular visual editing.
With its elements of fantasy, humor, and social satire, the movie is a long-lasting favorite among the masses. The reason is that it continues to be a relevant commentary on the experiences of women. It holds a high place among the exceptional movies of all time.
Adapting the movie to the stage is not an easy task. The main ordeal is in capturing the energy of the original. The casting, special effects, and comedy will never be replicated. However, this is a great chance for the adaptation to freshen up the allure that the movie has.
The people who took on the hefty job of transforming Death Becomes Her into a musical worked on it for several years. Leading the team is director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli. Gatteli is known for his Tony award-winning work for the musical Newsies, the revival of The King and I, and “Godspell.” Writing the book is Marco Pennette. The writer and producer are responsible for TV show favorites like “Ugly Betty” and “Animal Practice.” Crafting the music and lyrics are Noel Carey and Julia Mattison. The couple and songwriting duo became sensations with their musical “Is Anyone Alive Out There?” and their comedic web series “Brooklyn Sound.” Completing the team are set designer Derek McLane, costume designer Paul Tazewell, light director Justin Townsend, sound director Peter Hylenski, and illusion director Paul Kieve. This exceptional team will bring the razzle-dazzle the movie gifted the world into the stage.
“This is life’s ultimate cruelty. It offers us a taste of youth and vitality, and then it makes us witness our own decay.”
The musical will not stray away from the original. Like the movie, it will focus on the dynamics of friends turned enemies, Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp. Madeline is a self-absorbed and vain actress. On the other hand, Helen is an up-and-coming writer who is modest and smart. One day, Helen and her fiancé, Dr. Ernest Menville, visit Madeline on her Broadway show. Ernest is entranced by the performance of Madeline, which leads to seduction as they meet in the dressing room. When the couple reaches home, Helen reveals that the visit was a test, and she is gauging if Madeline will try to take her man away. Ernest assures her that it will never happen.
Seven years later, the inevitable happened. Madeline and Ernest are wed. This devastates Helen, and a seething hatred forms inside her. Another couple of years later, Helen is a mess. She has become obese and vengeful towards Madeline. This will change when she is brought to a psychiatric facility when she decides to eliminate Madeline.
In another time jump, Madeline’s fame has fizzled out. At the same time, she is desperate to find a solution to her big problem: aging. Her insecurity doubles when she meets Helen once again, who, to everyone’s surprise, looks like she has never aged at all. Desperate, Madeline visits a shady mansion where she is offered a vial of potion. If she drinks it, she will be rewarded with everlasting life. At the same time, Helen pushes forward her plan to destroy Madeline. The cat-and-mouse chase begins. The next part of the story unfurls the intertwining fates of the two rivaling ladies. As they claw each other to oblivion, they realize the consequences of choosing eternal life.
The musical is in its final works. It will have its world premiere on a pre-Broadway run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. It will run in the famous Chicago, Illinois, venue from April 30 to June 2.
Starring Death Becomes Her are Megan Hilty as Madeline Ashton and Jennifer Simard as Helen Sharp. Megan Hilty’s long list of roles includes Glinda in Wicked, Audrey in The Little Shop of Horrors, Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, and Brooke Ashton in Noises Off. The latter, she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. Meanwhile, Jennifer Simard’s repertoire includes Miss Hannigan in Annie, Ernestina in Hello, Dolly!, Stepmother in Once Upon a One More Time, and a Tony-nominated performance as Sarah/Joanne in Company.
Be among the first audiences of Death Becomes Her. With an amazing casting and production team, this will surely blow you out of the water. Ticket sales for this musical are still ongoing. Book yours now!