The Immortal Lineup: Complete Cast And Shocking Star Succession In Broadway’s Death Becomes Her
Contents
The Immortal Stars: A Complete Broadway Cast and Character Guide
The show’s success hinges on its phenomenal cast, a quartet of Broadway veterans and a global superstar, who embody the extreme vanity and desperate ambition of the characters originally made famous by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. The principal cast members are the comedic and vocal powerhouses driving the narrative of two rivals who drink a magical elixir promising eternal life.Megan Hilty as Madeline Ashton
Madeline Ashton is the quintessential self-obsessed, fading Hollywood star who will stop at nothing to maintain her youth and career. Hilty, an acclaimed actress and singer, originated the role on Broadway.- Current Status: Original Broadway Star (Final performance scheduled for January 2026).
- Broadway History: Hilty is best known for her star-making turn as Glinda in *Wicked*, her Tony-nominated performance as Brooke Ashton in *Noises Off*, and her role as Doralee Rhodes in *9 to 5: The Musical*. She is also widely recognized for her portrayal of Ivy Lynn in the NBC musical drama series *Smash*.
Betsy Wolfe as The Next Madeline Ashton
Stepping into the high heels of the immortal actress, Betsy Wolfe is a Tony-nominated performer with a versatile career.- Starting Date: January 16, 2026.
- Broadway History: Wolfe earned a Tony nomination for her performance as Anne Hathaway in the jukebox musical *& Juliet*. Her other notable Broadway credits include playing Jenna Hunterson in *Waitress*, Ellen in *Bullets Over Broadway*, and Rosa Bud in *The Mystery of Edwin Drood*.
Jennifer Simard as Helen Sharp
Helen Sharp is Madeline's long-suffering rival and former friend, who becomes obsessed with revenge after Madeline steals her fiancé. Simard, a three-time Tony Award nominee, brings her signature comedic timing to the role.- Current Status: Original Broadway Star.
- Broadway History: Simard's impressive resume includes Tony-nominated performances in *Disaster!*, *Company* (as Sarah), and *Once Upon a One More Time*. She is celebrated for her ability to steal scenes with her sharp wit and powerful voice.
Christopher Sieber as Ernest Menville
Ernest Menville, originally played by Bruce Willis in the film, is the cowardly, plastic surgeon-turned-mortician caught between the two warring women. Sieber, a two-time Tony nominee, is a master of comedic character work.- Current Status: Original Broadway Star.
- Broadway History: Sieber received Tony nominations for his hilarious portrayal of Lord Farquaad in *Shrek The Musical* and for his role as Sir Dennis Galahad in *Spamalot*. He has also starred in *Pippin* and *Chicago*.
Michelle Williams as Viola Van Horn
Viola Van Horn is the mysterious, seductive sorceress who sells the elixir of eternal life to the desperate duo. Williams, a Grammy-winning artist and member of Destiny's Child, brings an undeniable star quality to the stage.- Current Status: Original Broadway Star.
- Broadway History: Williams made her Broadway debut in *Aida* in 2003. She has also starred in the Broadway revivals of *Cabaret* and *The Color Purple*. Her presence adds a unique crossover appeal to the production.
The Creative Team Behind the Magic Potion and Special Effects
The success of *Death Becomes Her* as a stage musical is a testament to the innovative vision of its creative team, who faced the challenge of translating the film's groundbreaking 1990s special effects into live theatre magic. The show is not just a revival of the plot but a complete re-imagining with a fresh, original score.Book Writer: Marco Pennette
Pennette, a veteran television writer known for shows like *Ugly Betty* and *Mom*, penned the book, injecting the story with contemporary humor while retaining the dark, satirical core of the original screenplay by David Koepp and Martin Donovan.Music and Lyrics: Julia Mattison and Noel Carey
The musical's catchy and macabre score is the work of the talented duo Julia Mattison and Noel Carey. Their music captures the show's blend of glamour, gallows humor, and gothic themes, creating a soundscape that is both modern and perfectly suited for the Broadway stage.Director and Choreographer: Christopher Gattelli
Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli helms the production as both Director and Choreographer. Gattelli is renowned for his dynamic staging and choreography in shows like *Newsies* and *The King and I*. His vision was crucial in designing the jaw-dropping physical comedy and illusionary effects, such as the famous twisted neck and chest hole gags, that are integral to the story of the two undead rivals.Additional Key Creative Entities:
- Music Supervision: Mary-Mitchell Campbell
- Scenic Designer: Derek McLane
- Costume Designer: Paul Tazewell
Why *Death Becomes Her* is the Must-See Broadway Spectacle
The *Death Becomes Her* musical is more than just a nostalgic trip back to the 1992 cult classic film; it's a vibrant, topical commentary on modern obsessions with youth, beauty, and celebrity. The show's themes of immortality, vanity, and the toxic nature of female rivalry resonate powerfully with today's culture of social media and endless self-curation. The production began its journey with a world premiere in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in May 2024, where it garnered significant buzz before its Broadway transfer. This out-of-town run allowed the creative team to perfect the challenging technical elements required to depict the characters’ increasingly gruesome, yet hilarious, states of undeath. The musical has been praised for its commitment to the film's extravagant, high-camp style, embracing the Gothic comedy and satirical horror elements. The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre has been transformed into a lavish, yet spooky, setting for this grand, over-the-top story of two women—Madeline and Helen—who literally cannot die, yet continue to deteriorate, forcing their reluctant accomplice, Ernest, to keep them "alive." The blend of an original score with a beloved source material, coupled with a cast of Broadway royalty and a Grammy-winning star, positions *Death Becomes Her* as a theatrical event. With the upcoming transition to Betsy Wolfe, the show promises to keep its narrative fresh and its audience guessing, ensuring that the quest for eternal youth remains eternally entertaining on the Great White Way. The musical is a bold, beautiful, and bloody testament to the lengths people will go to for a little bit of extra time in the spotlight.Detail Author:
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