The new musical “Death Becomes Her” has announced a Broadway transfer. The show will begin previews on Oct. 23 and will open on Nov. 21 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Tony winner Christopher Gattelli directs and choreographs the musical comedy, which is currently making its world premiere at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. Set to reprise their performances will be Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard and Christopher Sieber, as well as Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams. The Broadway run is being produced by Universal Theatrical Group (UTG).
Featuring a score by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey and a book by Marco Pennette, based on the 1992 Universal Pictures film, “Death Becomes Her” follows adversaries Madeline Ashton (Hilty) and Helen Sharp (Simard) as they battle for the affections of the same man (Sieber), and take a magical potion that promises eternal youth. Williams takes on the role of the mysterious Viola Van Horn. Additional casting, by Tara Rubin Casting, will be announced.
Following a 2023 industry reading, “Death Becomes Her” began previews at the Cadillac Palace on April 30 and will open on May 19 for a run through June 2.
Hilty received a Tony nomination for her turn as Brooke Ashton in the 2016 revival of “Noises Off.” She made her Broadway debut replacing as Glinda in “Wicked” in 2005 and also appeared as Doralee Rhodes in 2009’s “9 to 5” musical.
Simard’s turns as Sister Mary Downy in 2016’s “Disaster!” and Sarah in the 2021 revival of “Company” earned her featured actress Tony nominations. She most recently appeared on the Main Stem as the Stepmother in 2023’s Britney Spears jukebox musical “Once Upon a Once More Time.”
Sieber is a two-time Tony nominee for his turns as Sir Dennis Galahad in 2005’s “Spamalot” and Lord Farquaad in 2008’s “Shrek.” “Death Becomes Her” will mark his third time sharing a Broadway stage with Simard: In addition to both having appeared in “Shrek,” Sieber played Simard’s spouse in “Company.”
Williams earned a Grammy in 2002 during her tenure as one of the singers of the R&B group Destiny’s Child. She made her Broadway debut in 2003 replacing in the titular role in “Aida” and has since appeared in “Chicago” and “Once on This Island.”
The creative team for “Death Becomes Her” includes Tony-winning scenic designer Derek McLane, Tony-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, Tony-winning lighting designer Justin Townsend, Tony-winning sound designer Peter Hylenski, illusions designer Rob Lake, hair/wig designer Charles LaPointe, makeup designer Joe Dulude II, fight director Thomas Schall, music supervisor Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Tony-winning orchestrator Doug Besterman, Tony-nominated dance/incidental musical arranger Sam Davis, general managers 321 Theatrical and production stage manager Rachel Sterner.
“Death Becomes Her” is being produced by UTG, overseen by Jimmy Horowitz and led by Chris Herzberger.
