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Looking for a nostalgic yet entirely new musical with all the glitz, camp, and dark humor of the 1990's? Then look no further than Chicago's newest sensation and revitalized musical comedy Death Becomes Her, now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theater through June 2nd!
Based on the 1992 cult-classic film of the same name starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Isabella Rossellini, Death Becomes Her follows the toxic, "frenemy" relationship between actress Madeline Ashton and aspiring author Helen Sharp. Constantly attempting to one-up each other in life, a series of unexpected events are set into motion when Madeline learns that Helen is engaged to famed surgeon Ernest Menville, a man who Madeline takes immediate interest in due to her own attachment to beauty and the knowledge that were they to marry, she could be nipped, tucked, and plucked by her own personal reconstructive surgeon whenever needed. This, understandably, sends Helen spiraling, so much so that she is committed to a mental institution and talks of nothing but taking the ultimate revenge against Madeline who has successfully stolen Earnest away and married him. When the two meet a decade later at a party celebrating Helen's latest novel and book tour, Madeline is stunned to see that Helen hasn't aged a day - in fact she's even more beautiful and alluring now than she's ever been. Madeline abandons Earnest and the party in a jealous rage but not before she is offered the chance see the mysterious Viola van Horn, a woman who singularly holds "a secret you would die for".
Already set to head straight to Broadway following it's nearly sold-out, limited five-week Chicago run, Death Becomes Her has garnered raving reviews from movie and musical theater fans alike, but has continually received mixed reviews from critics. A musical packed full of raunchy jokes, innuendo, absurdity, and even a few heartfelt moments, Death Becomes Her is sure to make a splash on Broadway: but is there more to be done before it's official New York debut?
The Original Cast of Death Becomes Her (2024)
Christopher Sieber (far left), Michelle Williams (center left), Megan Hilty (center right), Jennifer Simard (right)
The most obvious asset of the production lies in its stellar quartet cast, made up of Megan Hilty (Wicked, SMASH!) as Madeline Ashton, Jennifer Simard (Company, Mean Girls) as Helen Sharp, Christopher Sieber (Shrek: The Musical, The Prom) as Ernest Menville, and Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child) as Viola van Horn. It is no stretch to say that these core four breathe seemingly unending life into the production as a whole, leaning into the films riotous and campy elements to create an unforgettable evening of theatre. Hilty and Simard are brilliant in their respective portrayals of Ashton and Sharp, bringing an exuberant, unhinged, and unperilled energy to the stage from beginning to end. The comedy and fanatics that ensue between them are a marvel to watch on stage, with each encompassing very different personalities amidst their common goal of staying young and beautiful forever. Sieber is wonderful as the naïve and innocent Earnest Menville, the man caught in the middle who attempts to hold himself together amidst the chaos happening around him. Williams also respectively glimmers, both literally and figuratively due to her costuming which features some of the productions best, though her time on stage is more limited than her counterparts due to her mysterious and "everywhere all at once" mythical nature. The chemistry between Hilty and Simard is off the charts funny, with Sieber and Williams being the extra tape that holds the quartet together in every scene and situation. The ensemble cast also thrills in their continual involvement throughout the entire production, providing exquisite dancing, vocals, and sensuality that dazzles. This allows the ensemble for Death Becomes Her to feel more like an additional character to the story, rather than a chorus or back-up group that is simply unnamed and of lesser importance to the productions leads. While all are worth mentioning, the unanimous standout from the ensemble is Taurean Everett who engages in some truly memorable moments throughout the show and whose stage presence is undeniable. Everett also seems to be a fan favorite among attendees as they easily received the biggest and longest round of applause from the crowd say for its two female leads.
The other major production standouts are its brilliant music and stunning costumes. With music and lyrics written by Broadway newcomers Julia Mattison & Noel Carey and a book by Marco Penette, Death Becomes Her encompasses a variety of musical styles and genres ranging from the classical musical theater sound, to rock, R&B, and many more. These are only exemplified fully through the casts vocal performances, particularly Hilty and Simard's whose voices fit these roles like a glove. "Tell Me Earnest", one of the shows earliest musical numbers as well as both Madeline and Helen's Act I featured solos, are particularly catchy earworms that surely would make audiences hope for a cast album to be released soon. Similarly, the productions costumes designed by Paul Tazewell are as voluptuous as they are sexy, making for a visual spectacle that leaves one both wanting to see more while simultaneously wishing they could jump out of their seat, walk up on stage, and parade around in such extravagant ensembles.
Megan Hilty (left) as Madeline Ashton and Jennifer Simard (right) as Helen Sharp
Michelle Williams (left) as Viola van Horn and Taurean Everett (right) as Ensemble
With so many successful highs, it's difficult to fathom that not everything about Death Becomes Her is perfection. Much of the productions flaws lie in its second half, thanks to it's bulletproof first half that could not be any tighter if it tried. Though the second half is far less memorable, its desire to shift away from the absurdity in order to emotionally connect to its audience still manages to present a decent ending to an otherwise otherworldly story. The second acts most obvious omission is the inclusion of an 11 o'clock or even finale number that prominently feature the shows leads and ensemble cast. Were another song or even a longer reprise of Williams opening number to be added to the second half, particularly in the shows final graveyard scene, the shows ending would be far less understated and remain engaging to the very last breath. The other area that could see some change before reaching Broadway is the productions use of special effects, particularly when Hilty and Simard relentlessly begin to maim each other on stage. The magic of the movies is able to portray elongated necks and gunshot holes through the body very well through the use of CGI, but a stage production is an entirely different case. While these are small tweaks the production might consider before making its move to New York, the second half still remains entertaining though its more relaxed feel seems to lower ones guard following its high impact opening.
Death Becomes Her is ultimately a theatrical treat that is not to be missed. If you live near Chicago or are able to make the trip before the shows close on June 2nd, you will surely have the time of your life with a musical experience that is set to soar on Broadway and beyond for years to come.
Playbill for Death Becomes Her (Cadillac Palace Theater; Chicago)
DEATH BECOMES HER: First Look
Official Website: https://deathbecomesher.com/
Broadway in Chicago (Tickets): https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/shows/death-becomes-her/
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