Death Becomes Her | |
---|---|
Music | Julia Mattison Noel Carey |
Lyrics | Julia Mattison Noel Carey |
Book | Marco Pennette |
Basis | Death Becomes Her by Martin Donovan David Koepp |
Premiere | May 19, 2024 : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago |
Productions | 2024 Chicago 2024 Broadway |
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 the 1992 film of the same name directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis. It made its world premiere in May 2024 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. [1]
In December 2017, a Broadway musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her was reported to be in development, with Kristin Chenoweth tapped to star. [2] [3] The book is written by Marco Pennette and has an original score by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey. [4]
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. [5]
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. [6] 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. [7]
The musical ran at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago from April 30 to June 2, 2024. [8] 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. [9]
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. [10] [11]
Character | Chicago | Broadway |
---|---|---|
2024 [12] | ||
Madeline Ashton | Megan Hilty | |
Ernest Menville | Christopher Sieber | |
Helen Sharp | Jennifer Simard | |
Viola Van Horn | Michelle Williams |
|
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The original Chicago production received generally positive reviews, praising the cast performance, especially appreciating Williams, Hilty and Simard. [13] [14] [15] [16]
Death Becomes Her is a 1992 American satirical surrealistic dark comedy fantasy film directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis and written by David Koepp and Martin Donovan. The film stars Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Isabella Rossellini. Its plot follows two women who fight for the affections of the same man and drink a magic potion that promises eternal youth. Filming began in December 1991 and concluded in April 1992; it was shot entirely in Los Angeles.
Chicago is a 1975 American musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Ebb and Bob Fosse. Set in Chicago in the jazz age, the musical is based on a 1926 play of the same title by playwright and one-time reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about actual criminals and crimes on which she reported. The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the "celebrity criminal".
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