Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024; Broadway in the fall- Page 16

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 10:54am

Got a few pairs of tix with the Amex presale and noticed that the first preview is priced higher than the other dates. I’ve never seen that before. 

[WindyNewYorker]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 10:58am

Could someone please share what the band size is and instrument used in the show? Thank you.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:05am

Jordan Catalano said: "Whether we agree or not that she’s awful or “not that bad” doesn’t really matter since she’ll be coming to New York with the show. But yeah we do agree that opening needs to be axed and that role severely cut down. It’s really the only thing (besides Sieber’s basement song with singing paint cans) that just doesn’t work at all."

I wish they’d just trim the whole thing down to a solid 90mins. But they won’t. They could easily cut his number and her opening number. And cut down on some of the filler dance scenes. I will say this is the first production I’ve seen that used projections and it felt elevated as opposed to just a cheaper option. 

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:06am

WindyNewYorker said: "Could someone please share what the band size is and instrument used in the show? Thank you."

18, but I don't remember the breakdown.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:10am

I hate that this is going to the Lunt. Just not a favorite theater of mine.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:16am

I’ve been saying they should change the act break. Right now Act 1 seems too long and act 2 seems too short. They should move it up to after Madeline drinks the potion. I’m unsure exactly what requires them to break at the fall. Maybe they have to touch up Megan’s makeup?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:20am

Guessing it has to do with the neck piece she has when she stands up. But yeah, I mentioned before that not a lot happens after that - the bulk of the story is before they die so if they keep it that way they need to truly amp up the EFX in act two to make it work. Didnt tbey say some famous magician was working on the show? I didn’t really see any evidence of that in Chicago. 

[inception]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:22am

RippedMan said: "
I wish they’d just trim the whole thing down to a solid 90mins.

I have been told locally that some theatres don't like one act shows because they prefer to have an intermission where they can make more sales at the bar.

[Adeliciaboy]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:33am

Here's the orchestra breakdown:  Keyboards Ben Cohn and Cam Concur; Violin Michele Lukas; Violin and Viola Karla Gala; Cello Mark Lekas; Reeds Jim Gailloreto, Steve Leinheiser, David Orlicz, Jaco Slocum; Lead Trumpet Chuck Parish; Trumpet Josh Rzepka; Trombones Michael Joyce Tom Matt; French Horn Greg Flint; Guitar Steve Roberts; Bass Marc Hogan; Drum Damien Bassman; Percussion David Victor.

Altogether 18 personnel, but it sure doesn't sound like it in the theater.

I'm stunned that they are moving this fast to get the show into New York.  It's also interesting (suspicious) that they made the announcement before the official Chicago opening.  Maybe they were worried about any possible negative notices dampening the buzz they hope to generate from the news.   I still say it's going to be a hard sell to those Broadway audiences who don't relish a garish and cartoony Vegas floor show with no memorable music or choreography.

[DaveyG]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:46am

Adeliciaboy said: "I'm stunned that they are moving this fast to get the show into New York. It's also interesting (suspicious) that they made the announcement before the official Chicago opening. Maybe they were worried about any possible negative notices dampening the buzz they hope to generate from the news. I still say it's going to be a hard sell to those Broadway audiences who don't relish a garish and cartoony Vegas floor show with no memorable music or choreography."

I find that critics in Chicago have a history of giving overly-positive reviews to Pre-Broadway tryouts that need a lot of work: see Tootsie, Big Fish, The Last Ship, Pretty Woman.

[inception]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:46am

You sold me at "garish & cartoony."

But actually I might hold off.  Wait & see how this does and if discounts turn up.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 11:59am

Robbie2 said: 4/26/24 "I asked an usher recently during intermission of Sweeney Todd what was next for the Lunt Fontanne and she said: heard Death Becomes Her coming in the fall"

That usher knew and was right!

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 12:25pm

The Broadway League Spring Road Conference is next week, which is a big time for networking with potential co-producers/investors and doing early pitches to local presenters. The timing also allows them to advertise on or surrounding the Tonys. So it makes sense that several shows are being announced this week.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 12:29pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "The Broadway League Spring Road Conference is next week, which is a big time for networking with potential co-producers/investors and doing early pitches to local presenters. The timingalso allows them to advertise on or surrounding the Tonys.So it makes sense that several shows are being announced this week."

Bracing myself for some more national tour announcements in the coming days then!

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 12:46pm

I wish they would just move Hamilton to The Lunt because boy, am I tired of sitting in that ugly barn. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 12:55pm

BroadwayNYC2 said: "I wish they would just move Hamilton to The Lunt because boy, am I tired of sitting in that ugly barn."

Hamilton's perfect where it is and I'm sure Jeffrey Seller is happy to occupy one of Broadway's most enviable houses for years to come.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 1:01pm

…Im obviously aware it’s not moving, im just wishing I won’t have to step back into the Lunt again :-)

[Chicagoing]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 1:16pm

First time posting here and testing whether I understand how to add to the thread. Entered a lottery for tickets for this here in Chicago and on second attempt scored for tonight's performance. The house looks to be wide open so will be curious to see where my seat will be and whether I will be able to improve on it. First time at this venue. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 1:34pm

DaveyG said: "Adeliciaboy said: "I'm stunned that they are moving this fast to get the show into New York. It's also interesting (suspicious) that they made the announcement before the official Chicago opening. Maybe they were worried about any possible negative notices dampening the buzz they hope to generate from the news. I still say it's going to be a hard sell to those Broadway audiences who don't relish a garish and cartoony Vegas floor show with no memorable music or choreography."

I find that critics in Chicago have a history of giving overly-positivereviewstoPre-Broadway tryouts that need a lot of work: see Tootsie, Big Fish, The Last Ship, Pretty Woman."

The audience I was with ate it all in up, and no one seemed to care about William’s lack of skills as much as I did so who  knows? I think they’ve got some great material to work with. 

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 5:02pm

Chicagoing said: "... Entered lottery ...  scored for tonight's performance. The house looks to be wide open so will be curious to see where my seat will be and whether I will be able to improve on it. First time at this venue."

I peeked at the sold seats at 8:30 this morning, and again at 3:50PM.  It looks like Wednesday's lottery winners may be placed in the sides of dress circle. This afternoon, there are suddenly two 'SOLD" seats in every row of the sides of the dress circle. 

Tuesday night's show ran 2 hours 22 minutes - including a 20 minute intermission.

Act 1 ... 1 hour 13 minutes (7:35 to 8:48)

Act 2 ... 49 minutes (9:08 to 9:57)

Welcome!

[greensgreens]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 7:51pm

The shock of this announcement is Michelle’s continued involvement. I would enjoy the opening number with anyone more capable, but maybe what folks have suggested - cutting the role down - is the only best option here. It’s a shame because Horn’s material would be wonderful in the right hands. Just imagine them rotating stars in and out of that role who can at least park and bark the big numbers and actually sell the 5 minutes of acting required. Maybe there is hope her successors can be more thrilling. I really wish I knew who all had declined the role and who was next on their list!

As for Ernest, “Surgeon To The Stars” is one of the funniest songs in the show and the poor character needs some kind of expression of who he is and his thoughts. I don’t understand the hate at all. And Sieber is selling it for everything it’s worth! I mean, there’s a chunk of the audience that does want to root for someone and (in the stage version) he’s the only redeemable one. 
 

I will openly state based on nothing that I think Cheno may regret having let this one go. Hilty is going to get massive love, my only concern is she and Simard will split best actress votes and both get shut out come Tony time. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 8:28pm

Agreed, 100. 

But I think I'd give the Tony to Hilty simply for that song by the valet in Act 1. That was just brilliant on every level. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 8:47pm

Kate Rockwell is "campaigning" on IG to stand by for Megan & Jen and without seeing the show, I would like to see it!

[MagicalMusical]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 10:15pm

MrsSallyAdams said: "Regarding the stairs.

Thank you very much!

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 5/15/24 at 10:40pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Kate Rockwell is "campaigning" on IG to stand by for Megan & Jen and without seeing the show, I would like to see it!"

Eeeh, they already have two perfectly fine covers with Kaleigh Cronin and Natalie Charle Ellis*. Unless, they decide to go the “star” standby route a la Donna McKechnie in The Visit. Kate should prep for the Broadway Vacation transfer that’s surely going to happen next season /s.
 

*Fun fact, Natalie was supposed to play the Sarah Stiles role in the equity Tootsie tour before it was scrapped due to the pandemic. Hoping she gets a big break soon!