DEATH BECOMES HER Previews- Page 9

[bowtie7]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 9:05am

Maybe I'm just getting to old? Death Becomes Her is crazy fun but I have to wonder why? What was the great reason to make this a musical? As most have previously said the show is very funny and I enjoyed it very, very much (so did the rest of the wildly enthusiastic audience) but something was missing.

(warning possible spoilers ahead) 

Entry to the theatre was easy (warning men's room lines were much long than ladies). The set framing  extends into the house to set the mood. Also a special call out to what has to be a very hard working backstage crew--this show has so, so many quick changes of costumes/hair/make-up. The two leads are probably about as good as possible considering they have to live in the shadow of Meryl and Goldie while dealing with the technical requirements of the show on a nightly basis. Christopher Sieber is given a thankless role (though I had to wonder why Norbert Leo Butz wasn't in this role). Michele Williams is fine (and gets a good sport of the evening award for her act two entrance) in an expanded role from the movie but I have to wonder what could have been in the hands of someone like the late Chita Rivera (who one would assume have taken one listen to the songs and politely passed). Which brings the problem of the songs, for the most part you are just waiting to them to end to get back to the really funny stuff. It doesn't help that Megan's first number is by far the best (and funniest).  The show is given an elaborate physical production. The sets are great though the Viola Van Horn set really reminds me of the Hungarian/2009 Vienna production of Tanz der Vampire designed by Kentaur. There are lots of costumes but other than some stunning gowns for Michelle Williams something just seems off, the Immortals especially just looked something for a college dance recital. Which brings up another problem, since the Immortals are set up as physically perfect--the show really needs a few more character actors for all the various small comic parts. It was nice that the show has an 18 piece orchestra since so many recent shows (I'm pointing at you, Hamilton) have such reduced numbers of players. I am glad to have seen the original cast at their best (I shutter to think what this will end up like at some small dinner theatre (told you I was old--dinner theatre, young actors look it up--it will give you new respect for what those who came before you went though). So basically go, have fun.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 9:37am

There's a bunch of tickets (all under $100) available for tomorrow's opening night, for anyone who won't be at "Gypsy". 

[itsahopi]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 11:23am

bowtie7 said: "Maybe I'm just getting to old? Death Becomes Her is crazy fun but I have to wonder why? What was the great reason to make this a musical? As most have previously said the show is very funny and I enjoyed it very, very much (so did the rest of the wildly enthusiastic audience) but something was missing.

(warning possible spoilers ahead)

Entry to the theatre was easy (warning men's room lines were much long than ladies). The set framing extends into the house to set the mood. Also a special call out towhat has to be a very hard working backstage crew--this show has so, so many quick changes of costumes/hair/make-up. The two leads are probably about as good as possible considering they have to live in the shadow of Meryl and Goldie while dealing with the technical requirements of the show on a nightly basis. Christopher Sieber is given a thankless role (though I had to wonder whyNorbert Leo Butz wasn't in this role). Michele Williams is fine (and gets a good sport of the evening award for her act two entrance)in an expanded role from the movie but I have to wonder what could have been in the hands of someone like the late Chita Rivera (who one would assume have taken one listen to thesongs and politely passed). Which brings the problem of the songs, for the most part you are just waiting to them to end to get back to the really funny stuff. It doesn't help that Megan's first number is by far the best (and funniest). The show is given an elaborate physical production. The sets are greatthough the Viola Van Horn set really reminds me of the Hungarian/2009 Vienna production of Tanz der Vampire designed by Kentaur. There are lots of costumes but other than some stunning gowns for Michelle Williams something just seems off, the Immortals especially just looked something for a college dance recital. Which brings up another problem, since the Immortals are set up as physically perfect--the show really needs a few more character actors for all the various small comic parts. It was nice that the show hasan 18 piece orchestra since so many recent shows (I'm pointing at you, Hamilton) have such reduced numbers of players. I am glad to have seen the original cast at their best (I shutter to think what this will end up like at some small dinner theatre (told you I was old--dinner theatre, young actors look it up--it will give you new respect for what those who came before you went though). So basically go, have fun."

Chita Rivera did Casper.

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 11:29am

"Chita Rivera did Casper."

And Merlin and Bring Back Birdie. Hahaha.

 

[Kad]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 11:34am

bowtie7 said: "Maybe I'm just getting to old? Death Becomes Her is crazy fun but I have to wonder why? What was the great reason to make this a musical? As most have previously said the show is very funny and I enjoyed it very, very much (so did the rest of the wildly enthusiastic audience) but something was missing."

Why does it have to be anything more? I think there's something to be said for a show that just wants to entertain and make you laugh and does those things well, and I think that a lot of audience members are actively looking for that. Sometimes you just want a slice of cake.

[Lot666]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 3:50pm

Does anyone know why the performances on 11/23 and 11/24 are selling far side orchestra and rear orchestra tickets for $1,024.50 apiece when using the BroadwayBox discount?

Updated On: 11/20/24 at 03:50 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 3:53pm

Where are you seeing those prices? Broadwaydirect has them all normal priced, that I can see. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 3:56pm

Lot666 said: "Does anyone know why the performances on 11/23 and 11/24 are selling far side orchestra and rear orchestra tickets for $1,024.50 apiece when using the BroadwayBox discount?"

Dunno where on Earth you're looking but BroadwayDirect (the official ticket seller for the show) lists all those for under $200 each in the sections you mentioned. 

[Lot666]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 4:08pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "Lot666 said: "Does anyone know why the performances on 11/23 and 11/24 are selling far side orchestra and rear orchestra tickets for $1,024.50 apiece when using the BroadwayBox discount?"

Dunno where on Earth you're looking but BroadwayDirect (the official ticket seller for the show) lists all those for under $200 each in the sections you mentioned."

As noted in my original post, if you actually apply the BroadwayBox discount on BroadwayDirect.com and look at the performances on 11/23 and 11/24, you'll see that far side orchestra and rear orchestra tickets are listed for $1,024.50 apiece. Here's a link to the 11/23 matinee:

https://tickets.broadwaydirect.com/tickets/series/332842/death-becomes-her-1019096?promo=DBHBOX&startDate=11-23-2024

Updated On: 11/20/24 at 04:08 PM

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 4:16pm

Lot666 is correct, and it's surely a glitch.

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 4:19pm

11/24 evening.

[Lot666]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 4:31pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Where are you seeing those prices? Broadwaydirect has them all normal priced, that I can see."

As I noted in my original post, you have to apply the BroadwayBox discount.

[Lot666]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 4:54pm

MemorableUserName said: "Lot666 is correct, and it's surely a glitch.

"

It looks like BroadwayDirect.com detected the error and has now corrected it.

[inception]

Posted: 11/20/24 at 7:05pm

Those were for special seats that come with a dose of the Potion.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 2:49am

Really fun show tonight. This was my first time back since the first preview and they'd made quite a few nice changes that I noticed since then. Act Two is still the weaker of the two acts and I guess there just isn't any fixing that, giving the structure of the show itself, but it doesn't deter me from enjoying it as much as I do. 

Tonight's sponsor was "RiceARoni - the San Francisco treat. Ding! Ding!" 

As the two ladies were walking offstage at the very end of the show, this exchange cracked me up - 

Helen: "So what do you want to do tomorrow"
Madeline: "I don't know, what do you want to do?
Helen:  "Open a Broadway show"

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 6:36am

Kad said: "bowtie7 said: "Maybe I'm just getting to old? Death Becomes Her is crazy fun but I have to wonder why? What was the great reason to make this a musical? As most have previously said the show is very funny and I enjoyed it very, very much (so did the rest of the wildly enthusiastic audience) but something was missing."

Why does it have to be anything more? I think there's something to be said for a show that just wants to entertain and make you laugh and does those things well, and I think that a lot of audience members are actively looking for that. Sometimes you just want a slice of cake."

This comment belongs in a museum. "This show is hilarious and I had a blast watching it because its crazy fun but I have to wonder why these producers put together such a hilarious, crazy fun musical!"

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 9:35am

Thank god we have a big giant musical comedy this season. I thought the show was just so FUN. While I'd still currently rank Maybe Happy Ending as the best new musical of the season thus far, this is easily #2 and great to have well made entertainment that doesn't take itself seriously, yet is expertly put together.

I thought Act 1 was perfect. Wonderful opening number that stuck in my head, Williams looking gorgeous and singing her face off. Hilty and Simard are hysterical obviously, and have great chemistry together. They each get a solo number that showcases their vocal pyrotechnics and skill as actresses. They are quite a pair and I could have watched them for hours. The storytelling leans into high camp, and I was so worried they wouldn't get that! But no fear! "For the Gaze"? Incredible! I cackled all through the "stunt double" moments, particularly the staircase sequence. 

I do think Act 2 loses a little something. The pacing lags a bit and I'm not sure this super camp story (about fairly not-nice people) supports the new "buddy buddy" ending that the writers has concocted. It sort of felt like the tone they established was jettisoned right at the finale. But YMMV. (Also, they manage to recontextualize so many classic movie moments/dialogue in a new way for the stage that really works. But at the end there is a perfect opportunity to insert Meryl's iconic "BLAH BLAH BLAH" with new intention...but that line is cut entirely! Total missed opportunity). One small gripe: Sieber is fine, but he could really lean into the camp more (he gets there in his solo number in the workshop, but otherwise I think needs to go bigger with his characterization). 

All in all I had a wonderful time. When it ended I immediately knew I wanted to go back to see it again. I hope this has a long healthy run.

[pablitonizer]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 10:02am

It has now extended through August 2025! 

 

https://x.com/DeathBecomesBwy/status/1859612880141685148

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 10:07am

I’m so interested to know if Meryl, Goldie or Isabella will be at opening night tonight. 

[Kad]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 10:23am

pablitonizer said: "It has now extended through August 2025!



https://x.com/DeathBecomesBwy/status/1859612880141685148"

It's not really an "extension" if it was never a limited run. It's just a new block of tickets going on sale.

 

Updated On: 11/21/24 at 10:23 AM

[pablitonizer]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 10:30am

Kad said: "pablitonizer said: "It has now extended through August 2025!



https://x.com/DeathBecomesBwy/status/1859612880141685148"

It's not really an "extension" if it was never a limited run. It's just a new block of tickets going on sale.

"

I get that, but Broadway World also saw it that way: DEATH BECOMES HER Extends Run Ahead of Tonight's Opening Night

 

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 10:34am

BWW is regrettably wrong and should have known better. They know how tickets are released and that this was never a limited engagement.

[RunnyBabbit]

Posted: 11/21/24 at 11:22pm

The wedding sponsor for opening night was “Wicked the Musical. I have been changed for good.”
Got huge applause.

At the end as they’re walking away and asking what they should do tomorrow the answer was “watch Rachel Maddow?”

I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Even more than when I saw it in Chicago. As others have said, Act 2 is definitely weaker, but I think the changes they made helped as much as possible given the plot. I do think the Texas switch is used a few too many times. Specifically one of the few things I liked less in the Bway production was Mad’s transformation.

Overall it’s a total camp fest and I can’t wait to go back and see it again (hopefully next time not from the back of the mezzanine at the Lunt and instead in the same zip code as the stage).

[RexInLights]

Posted: 12/4/24 at 11:51am

I attended last night's performance anticipating a good, campy time - there is a dearth of enjoyable new musical comedies and I was really hoping this would fit the bill - but it just didn't work for me at all. Yes, Megan and Jennifer are wonderful. They sing their faces off and have great chemistry and comedic timing. Yet everything else about the show failed for me. The direction is turgid and amateurish. The jokes are obvious and pandering - the lowest of low hanging fruit, without a clever or smart bone in its body. The score (other than the opening number) doesn't even reach the heights of serviceable. The songs are bad, plain and simple, with nothing interesting or memorable about them. This may be one of the most bland and uninteresting scores I've heard in a long time. That this can make it to Broadway simply because of an IP is a sad commentary on the industry and what audiences are looking for, and when you know just how much the spent to get this on the stage? Yikes. The set and f/x are fine... but it doesn't remotely look as expensive as the price tag. I hope it does well and I'm glad many are enjoying it. It just wasn't for me. I left the theater sad and annoyed. 

 

 

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 12/4/24 at 12:39pm

Are the lotto seats front row like they have been for other shows ?