Death Becomes Her, much like its iconic antiheroines, transcends time, refusing to fade into obscurity. While it may not enjoy the same level of mainstream adoration or critical acclaim as some other beloved comedies from the 90s, it has managed to maintain a dedicated presence on the fringes of pop culture. From exuberant drag tributes to elaborate Halloween costumes and playful comparisons to Real Housewives stars, its influence persists; recently, it has even drawn parallels to the film The Substance, which many critics deem superior.
Themes of ageing anxieties and the societal pressures surrounding beauty are as relevant today as ever, perhaps even more so, making a revival not just timely, but practically unavoidable. Rumors of a remake have circulated for years, suggesting a collective yearning for a fresh take. Naturally, a Broadway adaptation seemed to be the logical next step, fitting perfectly within the ever-growing trend of transforming films into stage productions. Despite the vibrant nature of the original’s theatrical comedy, the path to success was riddled with uncertainty, especially when considering the lukewarm receptions of prior adaptations like Pretty Woman, Mrs. Doubtfire, and the perplexing case of Indecent Proposal.
After generating significant buzz during its initial run in Chicago, Death Becomes Her has re-emerged on Broadway as a sensational hit, embodying the essence of a grand, crowd-pleasing spectacle that is poised for longevity. Ticket sales skyrocketed pre-opening, prompting the producers to extend the show’s run until the end of next summer, setting it up to be a staple in New York’s theater scene.
The enhanced plot, now extending from the original 104 minutes to a more robust 135 minutes, elaborates on the decades-long feud between the obnoxious and self-absorbed stage star Madeline, portrayed by Broadway powerhouse Megan Hilty, and her timid writer friend, Helen, played by Jennifer Simard. Mirroring the film’s narrative, the show opens with a hilariously disastrous musical starring Madeline, now rebranded from Songbird to Me, Me, Me!, before diving into the scandal of her stealing Helen’s fiancé, Ernest, portrayed by Christopher Sieber. The story then leaps ahead, revealing a broken Madeline who now peddles face cream in infomercials, grappling with the ruins of both her career and her marriage. When a vengeful yet more glamorous Helen re-enters her life, the plot thickens as Madeline encounters the enigmatic Viola Van Horn, a role played by none other than Michelle Williams, who presents her with an offer she cannot refuse.
The alchemical potion she consumes throughout the show, its captivating purple hue prominently featured, symbolizes her desperate pursuit of youth and vigor, launching her into a grotesque face-off with Helen, who has also indulged in the mysterious concoction, unleashing their inability to die into a darkly comedic battle.
What initially distinguished the film—its groundbreaking use of cutting-edge computer graphics that earned it an Oscar for best visual effects—posed a significant challenge for translating its wild physical transformations and gravity-defying confrontations onto the stage. However, the adaptation overcomes these hurdles through a clever blend of innovative stagecraft and whimsical choreography, delivering moments that are more delightfully absurd than anticipated, including a prolonged tumble down the stairs and an outrageous fight sequence featuring stunt performers cleverly disguised.
The adaptation cleverly sidesteps the potential pitfalls that often plague transitions from beloved films to stage musicals. The musical numbers burst with energy, surpassing the often lackluster tunes found in similar adaptations; notably, even successful ones like Tootsie fell short of delivering memorable musical moments. The lyrics, crafted by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, echo the biting wit of the original script written by long-time TV writer Marco Pennette. Adding to the charm is a clever reimagining of Alan Silvestri’s memorable score, which complements the show’s notorious humor. Interestingly, the adaptation retains its viciousness, steering clear of the common tendency to soften characters; both women tread the line of unlikability unapologetically, and even a climactic number that hints at a theme of friendship ultimately reinforces their deliciously abhorrent nature.
The performances in the original film set a monumental standard—Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Isabella Rossellini delivered unforgettable, campy performances that teetered just shy of pantomime—and the Broadway rendition rises to meet this challenge admirably. Hilty embraces her role with unreserved exuberance, her powerful vocals leaving a lasting impression, yet it is Simard, with her sharp, hilarious delivery, who captures the audience’s laughter, delivering the show’s standout comedic moments. Michelle Williams, despite her undeniable vocal strength, has moments that feel less fluid, occasionally stumbling over lines without capturing the sensuality and ease that characterized Rossellini’s performance.
Despite this rare hiccup in an otherwise triumphant stage adaptation, the musical confidently strides into the spotlight, breathing new life into a cherished classic that undoubtedly deserves its second act.
What themes in “Death Becomes Her” do you think resonate the most with today’s audiences, according to Megan Hilty?
**Interview with Megan Hilty – Star of “Death Becomes Her” on Broadway**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Megan! “Death Becomes Her” has seen an incredible revival on Broadway. What do you think accounts for its lasting appeal, even decades after the film’s release?
**Megan Hilty:** Thank you for having me! I think the film’s exploration of themes like aging and societal pressures surrounding beauty resonates with audiences today more than ever. It’s a story that combines dark comedy with poignant commentary on vanity and youth, and those concerns are timeless. It’s fascinating to see how this story continues to capture people’s imagination.
**Interviewer:** Indeed, and this adaptation seems to have evolved quite a bit from the original film. Can you tell us how the plot has been expanded in the stage version?
**Megan Hilty:** Absolutely! The show now runs for about 135 minutes and dives deeper into the characters of Madeline and Helen. We see the evolution of their feud, starting with a disaster of a musical at the beginning. The story also expands on Madeline’s downward spiral and her desperate attempts to reclaim her youth through a mysterious potion, setting the stage for a darkly comedic showdown. It’s really exciting to portray these layers of characters!
**Interviewer:** The visual effects in the film were groundbreaking for their time. How are those iconic transformations conveyed on stage without the same technology?
**Megan Hilty:** That was indeed a huge challenge! However, our creative team has done an amazing job combining imaginative choreography with innovative stagecraft. We have these whimsical, absurd moments that pay homage to the film. For instance, there’s a hilarious extended tumble down the stairs that leaves the audience in stitches! So we’ve embraced the theatricality of it all rather than trying to replicate the film’s effects.
**Interviewer:** That sounds so fun! The show has already garnered quite a buzz and ticket sales have surged. What do you believe is drawing audiences in?
**Megan Hilty:** It’s all about the spectacle and the relatable themes we touch upon. Audiences, especially in today’s society, are craving stories that tackle beauty and youth while making them laugh. Plus, seeing the larger-than-life conflicts between the characters played out with such energy and flair really captivates the crowd. It’s a bit of nostalgia mixed with a fresh take, which I think everyone is responding to!
**Interviewer:** Lastly, there have been whispers about possible remakes. Do you think this Broadway adaptation could inspire more revivals or new adaptations in the future?
**Megan Hilty:** I wouldn’t be surprised! This production proves that there’s an enduring fascination with the story and characters, which could definitely inspire new takes on this classic tale. Plus, with so much successful crossover between film and stage, it seems only natural. I say, as long as there’s a good story to tell, there will always be an audience willing to experience it in new formats.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Megan! We’re excited to see how “Death Becomes Her” continues to grow on Broadway.
**Megan Hilty:** Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to experience it!
