DEATH BECOMES HER Reviews - Page 17

[ColdClimateDude]

Posted: 5/14/25 at 1:47pm

I'm wondering -- do you think that they (Megan/Jennifer) have it in their contracts that a public appearance/TV show counts as a performance? It would be a smart move to avoid being overworked during the awards season by running from all these promo appearances and dragging themselves through 8 shows a week and exhausting themselves in the process. Originally, they may have thought they could cover it with understudies but when the show went viral on TikTok and more was demanded of them, they knew they had to get Dee as a s/b to cover more.

[DaveyG]

Posted: 5/14/25 at 1:47pm

I put the blame on the inexperienced songwriters of DBH who created roles that are unsustainable eight times a week. The constant shrieking wrecks voices over time. 

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 5/14/25 at 1:48pm

Baloney.  It has nothing to do with that.  These are not hard parts to sing.

[pagereynolds]

Posted: 5/14/25 at 1:50pm

SmokeyLady said: "Baloney. It has nothing to do with that. These are not hard parts to sing."

Have you ever sung one of those parts 8 times a week with the amount of physical comedy needed?

[JSquared2]

Posted: 5/14/25 at 1:54pm

ColdClimateDude said: "I'm wondering -- do you think that they (Megan/Jennifer) have it in their contracts that a public appearance/TV show counts as a performance? It would be a smart move to avoid being overworked during the awards season by running from all these promo appearances and dragging themselves through 8 shows a week and exhausting themselves in the process. 

No, that's not a "thing" with the Equity/Broadway League Production Contract. Nothing other than a performance counts as a performance.

 

 

[alovingfan]

Posted: 5/14/25 at 2:04pm

pagereynolds said: "SmokeyLady said: "Baloney. It has nothing to do with that. These are not hard parts to sing."

Have you ever sung one of those parts 8 times a week with the amount of physical comedy needed?"

I am sure it has nothing to do with that.  Lots of other singers and actresses could handle it.  Especially these two.  And as has been said on this thread over and over.. they have been in attendance at other events while they have called out of the show.   

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/14/25 at 9:27pm

Sieber was still out tonight but Hilty & Simard were back.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/14/25 at 9:36pm

I think their attendance will get worse leading up to the Tonys, if that's possible. It's been this way since at least January, which is wild. And as entertaining as it can be, I can't even speculate the reason(s) why.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 7:18am

i'd still bet money that after the Tony Awards, Dee Roscioli ends up as the Madeline alternate and does Wed & Sat matinees.

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 10:08am

Just close smash and have Robyn take over we’ll be ok

 

[HaveAGoodShow]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 12:25pm

Hi everyone –

This is my very first BroadwayWorld chat post, so go easy on me! I'm here to keep things positive and (hopefully) help move the conversation forward.

I’ve been following many of the threads here, but the one that’s really grabbed my attention is the discussion around "Death Becomes Her." I’m a big fan of the show — it’s full of joy and theatrical flair, and frankly, I think we could all use more of that right now.

I wanted to share a few thoughts, especially about the ongoing absences. Just to be clear: I have no insider info — these are just my own observations and opinions.

From the outside, it looks like Megan and Jennifer are on a mostly six-performance-a-week schedule. The show is a beast for both of them and between that and the demands of press, pre-Tonys, and other commitments, six shows a week seems like a smart and sustainable choice. Whether that should be officially communicated by the production is another question.

Someone on here mentioned that the show isn’t any harder than "Wicked" and I have to disagree. From what I can tell, there’s barely a moment of downtime for either lead. On top of that, "Wicked" tends to cast younger performers — and that’s not a knock on age, just an observation. Megan and Jennifer are veterans, not fresh out of college, and they’re carrying A LOT of weight up there.

On the topic of covers: while I haven’t seen Dee Roscioli in other roles, I’ve now seen her twice in "Death Becomes Her" and, for me, she hasn’t quite clicked in this part. Megan brings such drive and fearlessness to the stage and you never catch her working. Dee, on the other hand, hasn’t quite carved out a fully realized character, she's not "big" enough and many of the punchlines just don’t land (which surprised me, given her strong buzz in "Titanique".

And finally, a quick note on Robyn Hurder. She’s undeniably talented. She’s got the voice and the dance chops, no question — but I think we might be underestimating just how tough these "DBH" lead roles are. Honestly, she was great in "Smash," but I didn’t see anything that a number of other top-tier performers couldn’t also have delivered. Meanwhile, finding someone who can realistically step into "Death Becomes Her" and truly own one of those lead roles? That’s a much taller order.

Anyway, those are my two cents. Hopefully this sparks some good conversation and not a brawl! (Kidding. Sort of.)

Updated On: 5/15/25 at 12:25 PM

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 12:26pm

WldKingdomHM said: "Just close smash and have Robyn take over we’ll be ok

"

SMASH might be closed by the time Hilty leaves. Hurder just might take a break, too. Or return as Velma in Chicago.

[itsahopi]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 2:06pm

HaveAGoodShow said: "Hi everyone –

This is my very first BroadwayWorld chat post, so go easy on me! I'm here to keep things positive and (hopefully) help move the conversation forward.

I’ve been following many of the threads here, but the one that’s really grabbed my attention is the discussion around "Death Becomes Her."I’m a big fan of the show — it’s full of joy and theatrical flair, and frankly, I think we could all use more of that right now.

I wanted to share a few thoughts, especially about the ongoing absences. Just to be clear: I have no insider info — these are just my own observations and opinions.

From the outside, it looks like Megan and Jennifer are on a mostly six-performance-a-week schedule. The show is a beast for both of them and between that and the demands of press, pre-Tonys, and other commitments, six shows a week seems like a smart and sustainable choice. Whether that should be officially communicated by the production is another question.

Someone on here mentioned that the show isn’t any harder than "Wicked"and I have to disagree. From what I can tell, there’s barely a moment of downtime for either lead. On top of that, "Wicked"tends to cast younger performers — and that’s not a knock on age, just an observation. Megan and Jennifer are veterans, not fresh out of college, and they’re carrying A LOT of weight up there.

On the topic of covers: while I haven’t seen Dee Roscioli in other roles, I’ve now seen her twice in "Death Becomes Her"and, for me, she hasn’t quite clicked in this part. Megan brings such drive and fearlessness to the stage and you never catch her working. Dee, on the other hand, hasn’t quite carved out a fully realized character, she's not "big" enough and many of the punchlines just don’t land (which surprised me, given her strong buzz in "Titanique".

And finally, a quick note on Robyn Hurder. She’s undeniably talented. She’s got the voice and the dance chops, no question — but I think we might be underestimating just how tough these "DBH" lead roles are. Honestly, she was great in "Smash," but I didn’t see anything that a number of other top-tier performers couldn’t also have delivered. Meanwhile, finding someone who can realistically step into "Death Becomes Her"and truly own one of those lead roles? That’s a much taller order.

Anyway, those are my two cents. Hopefully this sparks some good conversation and not a brawl! (Kidding. Sort of.)"

It takes a lot of talent to make something look as effortless as these women do, as you well articulated. I feel like they are working with longevity here. You're right, these are sage professionals who know what they're doing and how to maintain it longterm. Ensemble included, this cast has been around a long time. (Michelle Williams did AIDA!) No one involved has a history of bad work ethic. This board seems to be trying to make a conflict here.

[AC126748]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 2:33pm

I don't think most people would be bothered by Hilty and Simard being on an abbreviated performance schedule. The problem seems to be the secrecy and obfuscation by the production. It's been months at this point since both leads did a full eight-show week, but the production still acts as though they're appearing at every performance. If they were just transparent and said they don't do Wednesday matinees (or whatever), it would be a much better look.

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 4:14pm

I don’t have the clip at the ready, but Megan was very recently talking to a reporter about how serious of a beast this show is for them and that they are taking it day-by-day, listening to their bodies and instruments to navigate a schedule.

Let’s be clear, they have done a couple appearances on days they were out, but the vast majority of their absences, this has not been the case. They very well may have the bandwidth and capacity for a photo op and short interviews but not an entire 2.5 hour performance, which is understandable as those are two completely different demands physically and mentally. 

I know, I know, “Ethel Merman never called out”, Carol Channing, Patti LuPone, etc. We’re not talking about those rare exceptions, we’re talking about performers in the year of 2025. People are no longer risking their overall wellbeing, personal life and relationships for a paycheck, there is a balance. Not to mention that Megan is a mother of two and Jennifer is in her mid-50s. 

The understudies are more than capable performers in their own right. Are they Jennifer and Megan? No, but that was never promised. Neither is above the title. 

Updated On: 5/15/25 at 04:14 PM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 4:38pm

Megan talking about how tough the show is and being grateful to her understudy:

 

[Kad]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 5:07pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "
The understudies are more than capable performers in their own right. Are they Jennifer and Megan? No, but that was never promised. Neither is above the title."

They're not above the title but they are the key art and the faces of the production.

[DAME]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 5:17pm

Kad said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "
The understudies are more than capable performers in their own right. Are they Jennifer and Megan? No, but that was never promised. Neither is above the title."

They're not above the title but they are the key art and the faces of the production."

The audience is expecting to see them. If there is knowingly a 6 performance a week arrangement, then the paying audience is being deceived .  

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 5:53pm

feels like I repeat myself about this once a week. but Hilty & Simard should have had Dee Roscioli on & ready as a standby by opening night. they had to know during the Chicago run how demanding both roles would be.

[Peppa222]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 6:52pm

ACL2006 said, "feels like I repeat myself about this once a week. but Hilty & Simard should have had Dee Roscioli on & ready as a standby by opening night. they had to know during the Chicago run how demanding both roles would be."

For all we know, they did know and asked for just that. Between the understudies not having proper costumes for months and a standby not being added until months after people had noticed the frequency of absences, it seems the producers aren't interested in spending extra money until they feel it absolutely necessary.

If the producers are okay with them doing 6 shows a week, but don't want them publicizing that, I'm not sure what the ladies are supposed to do? They're employees.

I love Megan and Jennifer, but they are niche Broadway actresses; the audience is not leaving in droves when they're out, nor are the grosses dipping because of their absences.

Do I wish there was more transparency? I do! But I thought we were done demonizing performers for missing shows after Lindsay Mendez's pregnancy last year and the dogpiling of Jordan Fisher, only to find out he was dealing with an eating disorder. 

I get it, it's a catty theatre message board, but some of you could stand to not jump to the least charitable conclusion.

 

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 7:04pm

Kad said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "
The understudies are more than capable performers in their own right. Are they Jennifer and Megan? No, but that was never promised. Neither is above the title."

They're not above the title but they are the key art and the faces of the production."

As are the casts of Moulin Rouge and Great Gatsby. What’s your point? You still get a full performance of the Broadway production, which is what you are paying for as neither actor is above the title. This isn’t a Tituss situation where he literally is billed above the title and the box office isn’t allowing refunds (which they eventually reversed after being called out for the mistake).

Some of you guys have been on this board for twenty years. There have been performers used in key art(s) long after they left a production. There are actors who are “the face” of the show and doing press, but are not above the title. We understand what this means in terms of guaranteed performances or refund. Why are we acting brand new? 

[Peppa222]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 7:10pm

Also, looking at the opening night playbill scan, all four actors are above the title. Has that changed since opening?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 7:24pm

Nope, they are absolutely above the title, nothing has changed.

"This is my first time above the title, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously." - Jennifer Simard

GiantsInTheSky2 said: Neither is above the title."

Oops! Lolz

Updated On: 5/16/25 at 07:24 PM

[Kad]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 7:53pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Kad said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "
The understudies are more than capable performers in their own right. Are they Jennifer and Megan? No, but that was never promised. Neither is above the title."

They're not above the title but they are the key art and the faces of the production."

As are the casts of Moulin Rouge and Great Gatsby. What’s your point?You still get a full performance of the Broadway production, which is what you are payingfor as neither actor is above the title. This isn’t a Tituss situation where he literally is billed above the title and the box officeisn’t allowing refunds (which they eventually reversed after being called out for the mistake).

Some of you guys have been on this board for twenty years.There have been performers used in key art(s) long after they left a production. There are actors who are “the face” of the show and doing press, but are not above the title. We understand what this means in terms of guaranteed performances or refund. Why are we acting brand new?"

Yeah, I've been here for 20 years and I know what I'm talking about, thank you. When a show that has been in performance for only half a year sees both its leads missing performances on a weekly basis for months, that is unusual. If they need fewer weekly performances, the production needs to codify an alternate schedule so people who may have the silly and apparently unreasonable notion that they might want to see the award-nominated stars who are on the poster and in all of press can buy tickets accordingly.

Obviously no one is "guaranteed" to see a performer. Things happen. But when both leads are consistently out at least once a week, then some audiences are actually guaranteed to not see them at all and the production needs to be straightforward with ticketbuyers about it.

 

Updated On: 5/15/25 at 07:53 PM

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 5/15/25 at 7:58pm

What Kad said.  That is it.  That is where the frustration and speculation comes from.