Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024; Broadway in the fall — Page 19

Just got out of the matinee! Jennifer Simard was still out and we got the fabulous understudy, Natalie Charle Ellis who was hilarious!! Anyone know if Jen will be back before the show closes tomorrow? Hoping she’s ok! Natalie definitely reminded me of Jennifer, but she made all the bits her own and was getting a lot of laughs from the audience.


I saw the show on the first preview, and again later that week, so it was very fun to see the changes made. The show definitely zipped along a lot faster and many tweaks made (I anticipated these changes thanks to Balconyclub’s great recaps!)

Michelle Williams also sounded and looked much more comfortable in her role as well. She was making more choices and having fun with it more.

One thing worth mentioning, I guess, on our way out of the theater I heard a couple mention how much they hated the second act. Which actually surprised me!

Updated On: 6/1/24 at 07:07 PM

bwaybrent said: "Does anyone know if Simard is back tonight? Looks like Natalie was still on for the matinee this afternoon. Tomorrow is the final show."

She just posted a video of herself in costume to her Instagram story. Kind of suggesting she's back in.

I hope she’s feeling better. Listening to bits of the score, it definitely seems like a demanding (but thrilling) sing for both leading ladies.

Balcony, thank you for all of your reporting and documenting of the show’s tryout. It has been a delight to see your name as the recent poster, signaling you had some new details to share!

General seats for Broadway are now on sale. Anyone know a promo/discount code?

It means she took the potion, duh.

I know this little detail is overlooked by many but if you look closely, Ms. Peters is wearing the Siempre Viva pin on her blue blazer implying…

I'm just curious at who she would be? Unless Viola? Could she be joining the producing team? Ahhh the marketing team is soooo good at drumming up interest.

Yes seriously, because your post isn't showing up on my end, it's a blank post with a broken link. So calm your tits.

According to a casting notice they are looking for tumbler and people good with acrobatics. Guess they're adding some stuff to the show?

Looks like they are casting one female ensemble person and two swings (perhaps in addition to what they had in Chicago).

HEELS ENSEMBLE: 20s – 40s. Dancers with strong technique and partnering skills who sing very well. All vocal types, comfortable in legit Broadway and contemporary/pop Broadway styles. Must be comfortable with contemporary movement styles. Will also play various featured ensemble roles and may cover the principal roles of Madeline Ashton, Helen Sharp, and/or Viola Van Horn.

FLATS OFFSTAGE SWING #1: 20s – 40s. Dancer with strong technique and partnering skills who sings very well. All vocal types, comfortable in legit Broadway and contemporary/pop Broadway styles. Must be comfortable with contemporary movement styles. May also understudy featured ensemble roles, legit singing voice and comedy skills a plus.

FLATS OFFSTAGE SWING #2: 20s – 40s. Dancer who tumbles with a background in gymnastics/acrobatics. Advanced parallel bar experience a huge plus. Must be able demonstrate a Cartwheel Back Handspring Step Out (either side) and a Side Aerial (either side). Will be asked to perform some strength exercises including a Straddle Press to Handstand and Unassisted Handstand Push-ups. Partnering and dance technique required, including double turns on both sides, inside and outside. All vocal types, comfortable in legit Broadway and contemporary/pop Broadway styles.

Full Broadway cast set

Neil Haskell was with the show in Chicago.