Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024; Broadway in the fall — Page 13

Death Becomes Her is fast and funny. The leading ladies are giving Charles Busch worthy drag performances. The sexy chorus is Broadway Bares ready. The show is true to the spirit of the film without slavishly imitating it.

Unfortunately, it carries over the film’s weaknesses. It is utterly heartless. There’s no attempt to flesh out the central relationships. Who are these people? What do they want? Madeline’s a familiar type. But Helen’s a different person each time we meet her. By act two she’s settled into a second Madeline. Doctor Menville has no personality or goals beyond pursing, and then running from, the women.

The temptation of youth lacks allure here. Madeline wants adulation, yet the potion would force her to hide away as sexy furniture in Viola’s mansion. She’s told she’ll revitalize her career for “10 more years” before this. But there’s no “Part of Your World” moment where she wrestles with her decision.

The score is all patter numbers. The lyrics are full of jokes and exposition. I couldn’t retain any of the melodies because I was trying to absorb all the words. I had a similar reaction to A Gentleman’s Guide. That score grew on me with a few listens to the cast album. But it also had a few ballads. A few attempts to examine the protagonists’ motivations. The songs here have no interest in presenting anyone as more than a cartoon.

Another show I’d compare it to is Little Me. Ethan Mordden described Little Me as a show that “never takes any of its characters or their needs seriously.” I leave that show feeling empty, as I did this one. But Little Me also has some catchy melodies. Death Becomes Her needs a few.

Jordan Catalano said: "Oh and tonight's sponsor was - "Brought to you by Taco Bell - Think Outside the Bun!""

I love that this is changing every night. 

Balcony Club, one of the dancers last night was wearing considerably more clothes than others during the mansion scenes as well. I wondered if he was a swing that they hadn't fitted for a custom leotard yet?

EDIT: I suppose this could also be so that they can quick change into other roles in adjacent scenes.

Updated On: 5/8/24 at 08:52 AM

Jordan thanks for the great review. Do you think they fix Act two or just be another show that doesn’t listen to feedback and open on Broadway without changes. 

Oh another thing I didn’t get - the “fat Elvis” at the party at the end. If the potion makes you the best and most beautiful version of yourself, why is this version of Elvis there?

Jordan Catalano said: "Oh another thing I didn’t get - the “fat Elvis” at the party at the end. If the potion makes you the best and most beautiful version of yourself, why is this version of Elvis there?"

Good question. I watched the film this past weekend for the first time since the 90's. In the film Elvis is dressed like he did in the 70's, but he's not obese.  The film also gives us Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, & Jim Morrison.

 

MrsSallyAdams said: "Balcony Club, one of the dancers last night was wearing considerably more clothes than others during the mansion scenes as well. I wondered if he was a swing that they hadn't fitted for a custom leotard yet?"

Though swing Amy Quanbeck filled in for Gabriella Enriquez in the Ensemble last night, the gentleman wearing more fabric has been there for several performances.  

jacobsnchz14 said: "Jordan Catalano said: "Maybe they can have Amy Winehouse or something in this - someone else instantly recognizable."

My deepest desire during this whole scene was to have a Marilyn there, Madeline running into the Marilyn, and Madeline/Megan saying something along the lines of "It's like looking in a mirror" or "If that's what she looks like now, let me be that star." Just something stupid and meta for the Smash of it all. lmao. Even during "Gaze" some of Megan's cadences were SO reminiscent of her Marilyn and it was delicious."

Yes to during "Gaze" I kept thinking "No one can deliver a double entendre quite like Megan Hilty!" I was getting glimpses of "The National Pastime" 

How do the songs compare to both the musical inventiveness and overall zaniness of Julia's work with Advent Carolndar?

TheWindAndTheRain said: "I was at the show last night and had an absolute BLAST. There is definitely work that needs to be done structurally, butI found it so refreshing to see a big musical comedy with really funny jokes that are actually character-driven and not random one-liners (looking at you, Robert Horn). Hilty is a comic revelation and it is wonderful to finally see Simard in the Leading Lady role she so rightfully deserves. Sieber is a comic master as always, and I hope they find a way to expand Josh Lamon’s role as Stefan, because he was really missed in Act 2.

I did have one question about the ending:

"

In response to the spoiler (without spoiling myself) there is no grand reveal. What you saw is what I saw both times. I was anticipating a bit of stage magic at that moment as well. 

Intermission. THERE’S FROSTING!!!!!!

Tonights sponsor - “Kit Kat. Gimme a break!”

Second night in the same theatre as Jordan. Is there anything better? 

One of Stephan's lines moved back to the original: "Should I set out the cardboard cutout" has returned, replacing the attempt of "should I tell her you ate bad clams."

One of Viola's lines has been axed: "The sordid topic of coin"

One of Madeline's GREAT lines was axed: "Isn't that right, Mr Softie."

I liked the revised scene transition late in Act 1 with Ernest crossing the lip of the stage while reading aloud from Helen's book.

Updated On: 5/8/24 at 11:40 PM