DEATH BECOMES HER Reviews - Page 28

[Auggie27]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 11:57am

This now feels like a management, not an artist problem: finding a solution to clearly circumstantial issues (physical challenge or personal crises, alluded to by one star). With awards season over and the show settling into a long(er) run, devising a schedule that would remove the pressure from the actors and take the question marks away from the consumer would be wise. Disparate shows work well with alternate schedules or even double/triple casts (Baz's Boheme, Brooks's Carmen). If the show is the star, market it thus; let audiences choose which cast members - or stars - matter. But cease celebrating these two women as 8 show a week performers. it serves the show, and it serves them. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 12:15pm

WiCkEDrOcKS said: "They are both out of BOTH shows today.

This is insulting, TBH. I really enjoyedboth of their performances, but there should be some kind of Tony eligibility stipulation that says you must be present for a certain percentage of performancesin order to receive a nomination."

 

Their absences are ridiculous at this point.

 

[Jstone08]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 12:22pm

JSquared2 said: "DAME said: "JSquared2 said: "DAME said: "JSquared2 said: "SmokeyLady said: "Maybe they will announce an official alternate schedule now. Their names are still above the title. So until that also changes; you are entitled to a refund or an adjustment in price of your tickets."


Refund or exchange -- yes --"adjustment" in price, no. There's no haggling involved in these situations."

Actually, there is. When we went again earlier this month Jen was out. In our circumstance we got a refund and walked over to TKTS and got similar seats for half price. But if you go on line you will see that these theaters offer dynamic pricing . Prices ( not always) tend to be lowered when above the title actors are out. You just have to be smart . Hey, it’s your money. Talk to the box office. Don’t be shy."



Everything you say is true -- but that's not what the post is about. There is no "adjustment is price" fromthe box office -- but of course you are always free to look for better deals, waitfor dynamic pricing to lower the prices, go on Theatr, etc. But no box office on Broadway will give you a rebate if you walk up (or call) and say "I see that the prices came down since I bought my ticket so now I want the lower price"."

Ask for a refund and re-buy your ticket."



Sure, why don't you give that method a try and let us know how it works out for you.

"

I have literally done just that for Sweeney. Returned a ticket when groban was out, rebought a different seat at Groban was out prices. Nik Christopher was excellent but if they were offering essentially different tiers of rush seats I opted for one of those. 

[HaveAGoodShow]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 1:42pm

I can’t help but wonder if either actress is concerned about the potential impact on their reputations. Even if these absences are pre-planned by the producers (but only announced publicly on the day of), the optics of their performance schedules aren’t exactly working in their favor.

Updated On: 6/11/25 at 01:42 PM

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 1:44pm

I hope they consider alternates. While Megan has spoken out on the physical demands of the role, these absences are concerning. 

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 3:17pm

I went this expecting nothing but escapism and gladly it was all that I ot.

I was surprised about the fact that I was already hooked by the score here in Brazil but especially the wordplay works even better live, it's funny without much effort and smart when it tries to make an effort.

Michelle Williams is not a natural at comedy, but she serves diva realness with plenty of freshness, and her voice really impressed me. Christopher Sieber is always realiable and did great with a role that could easily been such 'there'.

Simmard is perfect, I've seen her twice before (Mean Girls and Company) and it is as if the role it built on all of her strenghts as an actor but Megan Hilty is freakin' hilarious. She doesn't miss a joke, her voice is crystal clear, her physical comedy is impeccable, and she manages to draw even more attention when she's doing the book scenes.

Christopher Gattelli is an actor turned choreographer who is now making his debut as a director, and all of these experiences are reflected in his works. Of course his sense of space to deliver this "old Broadway classic" is essential for the play to work. It's as if he doesn't allow any empty space or wasted time in the work. And for such a big musical, it works. The set design is less attractive than the costumes, which are more of a Paul Tazewell splurge, but overall it's clear that the $30 million was well spent here.

That staircase scene is AMAZING, it's an extremely entertaining night, which is what it sets out to be.

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 3:56pm

Jstone08 said: "JSquared2 said: "DAME said: "JSquared2 said: "DAME said: "JSquared2 said: "SmokeyLady said: "Maybe they will announce an official alternate schedule now. Their names are still above the title. So until that also changes; you are entitled to a refund or an adjustment in price of your tickets."


Refund or exchange -- yes --"adjustment" in price, no. There's no haggling involved in these situations."

Actually, there is. When we went again earlier this month Jen was out. In our circumstance we got a refund and walked over to TKTS and got similar seats for half price. But if you go on line you will see that these theaters offer dynamic pricing . Prices ( not always) tend to be lowered when above the title actors are out. You just have to be smart . Hey, it’s your money. Talk to the box office. Don’t be shy."



Everything you say is true -- but that's not what the post is about. There is no "adjustment is price" fromthe box office -- but of course you are always free to look for better deals, waitfor dynamic pricing to lower the prices, go on Theatr, etc. But no box office on Broadway will give you a rebate if you walk up (or call) and say "I see that the prices came down since I bought my ticket so now I want the lower price"."

Ask for a refund and re-buy your ticket."



Sure, why don't you give that method a try and let us know how it works out for you.

"

I have literally done just that for Sweeney. Returned a ticket when groban was out, rebought a different seat at Groban was out prices. Nik Christopher was excellent but if they were offering essentially different tiers of rush seats I opted for one of those."

I did it when Groban was out as Sweeney as well.  If an above the title actor is out.. then you absolutely ask for a refund and get a ticket at a lower price tier. Most tourists don't know it is a option.  These days you get a notice ahead of time earlier that day telling you options.  But they mostly just give you a refund or later date choice.  If that happens do a little sleuthing on the shows site or discount sites and see if there is a better price option for you and take the refund.  Stand up for yourself.  These shows cost enough money.

Updated On: 6/11/25 at 03:56 PM

[Observation]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 5:52pm

From Megan Hilty’s instagram:

 

I love my job. Madeline Ashton is by far the most challenging and rewarding role I have ever taken on. The lengths to which I have gone to make sure I can physically do the show is a job in itself - the regimen is too long for this post - but I do it joyfully because, as I mentioned before, I LOVE what I do.

Which is why it is so painful to say that I will be stepping away from my beloved DBH family for 3-4 weeks while I recover from a vocal injury that only time can heal.

It's hard for me to admit I am human, particularly because performers are often asked to push through and pretend that we're not. I am so fortunate to work with the best producers, company, & stage managers, who don't subscribe to that way of thinking and fully support me and my fellow cast mates when our bodies tell us it's time for a break.

I kindly ask for your patience and understanding - not just for me, but for all Broadway performers.

What we do with our teeny tiny vocal cords is nothing short of a Herculean task - one that most people take for granted and very few actually understand. I encourage you to do the research and see for yourself how your own vocal cords work - it is fascinating and I guarantee it'll make you all the more impressed the next time you see a live performance.

We are athletes. And just like a professional basketball player, we are going to get injured from time to time - not because we aren't good at our jobs, it simply comes with the territory because of the extraordinary demands we put on our bodies.

Thank you for your patience and support while I take this time to take care of myself to ensure my longevity with the show and my career, in general.

In the meantime, Madeline's fabulous shoes will be filled brilliantly and I'll be counting the seconds until I can meet you back at the Lunt-Fontanne.

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 5:53pm

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 5:53pm

MemorableUserName said: ""

I hope everyone will back off and be understanding 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 5:59pm

thought this was coming. Hope Hilty heals up. I'd assume Dee Roscioli covers the role until Hilty returns?

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:19pm

Let’s hope she gets better soon.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:30pm

Very glad she finally addressed it and is taking the time she needs. 

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:41pm

Natalie Charle Ellis posted that she had a Madeline put-in the other day, so it makes sense given Hilty being out for an extended period of time and some of Simard’s absences that they would want to have all three covers ready.

[pablitonizer]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:42pm

Oh no, poor Megan! I hope she recovers well for a triumphal return!

Perhaps losing the Tony was a blessing. I don't think producers would have been happy if the Tony winner is out for a few weeks. 

Take the time u need, Megan

 

 

[DrMonicaDeMoneco]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:44pm

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:48pm

☝️ That famous BroadwayWorld understanding. 🙄

(Can't wait for someone to break out the, "Understanding?!? Nobody's dying! Where's Riedel!?!?")

[Luminaire2]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:51pm

All I know is many on these boards have certainly racked up a lot of bad karma in this thread. 
 

I am so happy Megan is taking time now to rest, and heal her injury. She is such a talented performer, and broadway is a demanding beast. 
 

May all artists be able to do the same as needed, and may keyboard warriors figure out a better way to spend their time.  

[sppunk]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:55pm

The repeated, unannounced absences reminded me so much of Lindsay Mendez in Merrily.

Sending Megan healing vibes. 

[ER765]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 6:59pm

MemorableUserName said: "☝️ That famous BroadwayWorld understanding. 🙄

(Can't wait for someone to break out the, "Understanding?!? Nobody's dying! Where's Riedel!?!?")"

Well, nobody IS dying. And Riedel would’ve been necessary before she addressed it. And I’m glad she did so. 

[singer234]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 7:01pm

Wishing her well-she'll come back better than ever. I guess Dee will be going on for her, though I would love for someone like Laura Bell Bundy or Leslie Kritzer to step in for a month.

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 7:05pm

Julia Mattison's IG story confirms Roscioli, Cronin, and Ellis will be covering the role while Hilty is out.

[SmokeyLady]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 7:05pm

Luminaire2 said: "All I know is many on these boards have certainlyracked up a lot of bad karma in this thread.


I am so happy Megan is taking time now to rest, and heal her injury. She is such a talented performer, and broadway is a demanding beast.


May all artists be able to do the same as needed, and may keyboard warriors figure out a better way to spend their time."

All anyone complained about was a lack of transparency.  This has been going on for months.  So no bad karma here.  The way people twist things around.

[ER765]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 7:05pm

Luminaire2 said: "All I know is many on these boards have certainlyracked up a lot of bad karma in this thread.


I am so happy Megan is taking time now to rest, and heal her injury. She is such a talented performer, and broadway is a demanding beast.


May all artists be able to do the same as needed, and may keyboard warriors figure out a better way to spend their time."

Ok relax.

You’re on a message board. A FORUM for theater fans. And by Hilty nor Death Becomes Her addressing the absences for this long, we were left to speculate and discuss.

Now that she has addressed it, we can all move on. 

[itsahopi]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 7:06pm

Luminaire2 said: "All I know is many on these boards have certainlyracked up a lot of bad karma in this thread.


I am so happy Megan is taking time now to rest, and heal her injury. She is such a talented performer, and broadway is a demanding beast.


May all artists be able to do the same as needed, and may keyboard warriors figure out a better way to spend their time."

Agree. A lot of people here have made this their personality and it’s loser behavior. Seek hobbies.