Death Becomes Her (musical)

Death Becomes Her is a musical, with a book by Marco Pennette and music and lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey. It is based on 1992 film with the same name directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis and made its world premiere in May 2024 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago.

Development
In December 2017, a Broadway musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her was reported to be in development, with Kristin Chenoweth tapped to star. The book is written by Marco Pennette and has an original score by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey.

Notably, the character of Lisle von Rhuman, originally portrayed by Isabella Rossellini in the film, was changed to Viola Van Horn, portrayed by Michelle Williams. When asked about the decision making behind the change, Williams said she did not know what caused the change, but stated that there were some plot elements in the production that may hint at the reason.

Chicago (2024)
In September 2023 it was announced that the musical was produced by Broadway In Chicago, Universal Theatrical Group, 321 Theatrical Management, and was directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli. The production featured set design by Derek McLane, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Justin Townsend, sound design by Peter Hylenski, illusions by Rob Lake, hair and makeup by Charles LaPointe and Joe Dulude II.

The musical ran at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago from April 30 to June 2, 2024. The cast featured Megan Hilty as Madeline, Jennifer Simard as Helen, Christopher Sieber as Ernest and Michelle Williams as Viola Van Horn, character originally named Lisle von Rhuman.

Broadway (2024)
In May 2024, the producers announced their plans to have the musical begin performances Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on October 23 of that year, with an official opening scheduled for November 21.

Critical response
The original Chicago production received generally positive reviews, praising the cast performance, especially appreciating Williams, Hilty and Simard.