Death Becomes HerHits Broadway! See the Musical's Cast Alongside Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Original Film Stars

Mar. 15, 2025

Left: Poster for ‘Death Becomes Her’ musical; Right: Poster for ‘Death Becomes Her’ movie.Photo:Franz Szony; Shutterstock

Franz Szony; Shutterstock

Death Becomes Heris making a killing on Broadway!

Performances for the musical adaptation of the 1992 fan-favorite film are now in previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City, with an opening night set for Thursday, Nov. 21.

Like the film, the stage show follows longtime frienemies Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp. After Madeline steals Helen’s plastic surgeon fiancé Ernest Menville, Helen plots her revenge with a tell-all novel. But a mysterious potion that restores the feuding pair’s youth and beauty soon turns their world upside down.

Leading the production are stage veterans and Tony nomineesMegan Hilty,Jennifer SimardandChristopher Sieber. Joining them is Destiny’s Child starMichelle Williams, in her first original Broadway role.

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Madeline Ashton

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Helen Sharp

Left: Jennifer Simard in ‘Death Becomes Her’ musical; Right: Goldie Hawn in ‘Death Becomes Her’ movie.Franz Szony; AJ Pics/Alamy Stock Photo

Franz Szony; AJ Pics/Alamy Stock Photo

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Ernest Menville

Dr. Ernest Menville is the muse and prized possession of both Madeline and Helen, especially when (spoiler alert) the pair die and need the plastic surgeon’s skills to make a series of strange and inhuman repairs to them.Willis played Ernest in the 1992 film, returning to his comedic roots after making a name for himself in theDie Hardfranchise. Last year,Willis’ family announced he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

On stage, Sieber is stepping into Ernest’s shoes. It’ll be the 13th Broadway credit for the stage star, known for roles inThe Prom,Company,La Cage aux Folles,Beauty and the Beastand more. He’s also a two-time Tony nominee, for his roles in 2009’sShrekand 2005’sSpamalot.

04of 04Lisle Von Rhuman/ Viola Van HornLeft: Michelle Williams in ‘Death Becomes Her’ musical; Right: Isabella Rossellini in ‘Death Becomes Her’ movie.Franz Szony; UNIVERSAL PICTURES /Album/Alamy Stock PhotoIn the film, Lisle Von Rhuman is a wealthy socialite who offers the potion of youth to Madeline and Helen. Rossellini, who plays Lisle in the film, had a “mother”-like concern for her nude body double when they were filming.“I went up to my double and I said, ‘I will stay here in my trailer. If you need me, just let me know and I’ll come out and be here with you,’ ” she toldVariety. “I was there like a mother saying, ‘I’m here to protect you.’ “In the musical, the character gets a new name: Viola Van Horn. Grammy winner Williams flays the mysterious character, and opens the show with her powerful vocals.

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Lisle Von Rhuman/ Viola Van Horn

Left: Michelle Williams in ‘Death Becomes Her’ musical; Right: Isabella Rossellini in ‘Death Becomes Her’ movie.Franz Szony; UNIVERSAL PICTURES /Album/Alamy Stock Photo

Franz Szony; UNIVERSAL PICTURES /Album/Alamy Stock Photo

In the film, Lisle Von Rhuman is a wealthy socialite who offers the potion of youth to Madeline and Helen. Rossellini, who plays Lisle in the film, had a “mother”-like concern for her nude body double when they were filming.“I went up to my double and I said, ‘I will stay here in my trailer. If you need me, just let me know and I’ll come out and be here with you,’ ” she toldVariety. “I was there like a mother saying, ‘I’m here to protect you.’ “In the musical, the character gets a new name: Viola Van Horn. Grammy winner Williams flays the mysterious character, and opens the show with her powerful vocals.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Tickets toDeath Becomes Herare now on sale.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Tickets toDeath Becomes Herare now on sale.

source: people.com