The highly anticipated Broadway adaptation of Death Becomes Her opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, starring Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, alongside Christopher Sieber and Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams. Directed and choreographed by Tony winner Christopher Gattelli, the production features a book by Marco Pennette and an original score by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey.
The musical's lavish design boasts contributions from a team of Broadway heavyweights, including scenic designer Derek McLane, costume designer Paul Tazewell, and lighting designer Justin Townsend. Critics were divided, however, on whether the campy, over-the-top adaptation of the 1992 cult classic lives up to its promise of theatrical immortality.
Critics’ Highlights:
The New York Times (Jesse Green): While acknowledging flaws in the original film’s narrative that linger in the musical, Green praised the chemistry between Hilty and Simard, calling their performances “justification enough” for the show’s existence.
The Guardian (Benjamin Lee): Hailed as a “raucously entertaining hit,” the production has already extended its run through next summer, with Lee lauding its blockbuster appeal.
Vulture (Jackson McHenry): Found the production lacking thematic depth, critiquing a stalled second act that trades substance for campy spectacle, though the “shovel combat” was praised as a comedic highlight.
Deadline (Greg Evans): Celebrated the show as a “virtually perfect big-budget, broad-appeal musical comedy,” improving upon the original film’s formula with enhanced wit and standout performances.
Time Out New York (Adam Feldman): Applauded the script for preserving iconic film moments while adding fresh, laugh-out-loud material, with the score providing “plenty of humor.”
New York Post (Johnny Oleksinski): Noted that the show “sags” narratively in the second act but credited Hilty and Simard with injecting vibrancy into weaker moments.
Variety (Frank Rizzo): Praised the “bigger and bolder” design elements, calling the visual and technical production a highlight.
The Verdict:
While Death Becomes Her is not without its critics—several pointed out narrative shortcomings and unremarkable songs—the dazzling performances by Hilty and Simard, along with the show's unapologetically campy tone and high production value, earned it praise as a must-see for fans of the original movie and Broadway spectacle.
Whether it achieves Broadway immortality or settles for cult status, Death Becomes Her has firmly staked its claim as a stylishly macabre, laughter-filled evening of theater.
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