Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024; Broadway in the fall- Page 19
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024; Broadway in the fall
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#450
Posted: 6/1/24 at 7:07pm
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!
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#451
Posted: 6/1/24 at 9:28pm
Does anyone know if Simard is back tonight? Looks like Natalie was still on for the matinee this afternoon. Tomorrow is the final show.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#452
Posted: 6/1/24 at 10:08pm
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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#454
Posted: 6/2/24 at 12:10am
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.
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#455
Posted: 6/2/24 at 7:25pm
A stagehand was briefly part of the final performance in the opening notes of FOR THE GAZE - the sound of something steel could be heard when Madeline Ashton rose from her oval mirrored, light-bulb dressing room table. The black-clad stagehand quickly checked out the table and may have adjusted it. The table did its usual smooth disappearance when the number kicked into high gear.
Grindr returned as today's wedding sponsor.
Later at Helen Sharp's book signing event, Ensemble member Michael Graceffa unzipped his shirt for the paparazzi much lower than usual. Hubba hubba. The attendee who let's everyone know that Helen has arrived excitedly added a 360 degree spin after his line.
During Sieber's SURGEON TO THE STARS basement number, a woman in the lower balcony was squealing with delight. Glad she was moved!
Toward the end of bows, the four Swings Beau Harmon, Johanna Moise, Amy Quanbeck, and Zach Williams joined the cast onstage.
The pit played its exit music and a happy audience departed.
The ghost light was rolled onto the empty stage.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#456
Posted: 6/2/24 at 7:58pm
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!
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#457
Posted: 6/3/24 at 9:11am
Just one more:
Before the 5-week run started, a large hourglass inside a deluxe wood frame could be spotted in the lobby from the outdoor sidewalk. I suppose it was an oversized set piece that was nixed.
When the roustabouts were loading the show through the Wells Street doors, one of the old prop carts still had MATILDA stenciled onto the canvas.
During the first half of the run, in the NY apartment scene, Madeline LOUDLY set down her champagne bottle on the table shared by 7PM dinner guests Helen and Ernest.
For the remainder of shows, the champagne bottle was QUIETLY placed atop the table.
For a few performances, several searchlights flooded the main curtain at show’s end, between the cemetery and the start of bows. The effect was scratched.
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#458
Posted: 6/3/24 at 10:07am
General seats for Broadway are now on sale. Anyone know a promo/discount code?
Broadway Star Joined: 6/3/18
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#459
Posted: 6/6/24 at 2:02pm
What does this mean!?
https://www.instagram.com/p/C74ft70OP7L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#460
Posted: 6/6/24 at 2:05pm
It means she took the potion, duh.
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#461
Posted: 6/6/24 at 2:14pm
Their marketing team is pretty great, for that.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#462
Posted: 6/6/24 at 3:03pm
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…
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/14/20
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#463
Posted: 6/6/24 at 3:04pm
Bernadette Peters is joining the cast.
Kidding. Unless...................
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#464
Posted: 6/6/24 at 3:09pm
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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/27/06
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#465
Posted: 6/6/24 at 3:11pm
Observation said: "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."
Seriously?! I just posted a photo AND detail of why they posted it AND they have made it clear there is zero casting or her involvement to the show.
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#466
Posted: 6/6/24 at 3:12pm
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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/14/20
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#467
Posted: 6/6/24 at 3:14pm
Calm down goodness gracious. I was kidding. I know that's not going to happen
Updated On: 6/6/24 at 03:14 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#468
Posted: 6/19/24 at 12:00pm
According to a casting notice they are looking for tumbler and people good with acrobatics. Guess they're adding some stuff to the show?
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#469
Posted: 6/19/24 at 12:10pm
RippedMan said: "According to a casting notice they are looking for tumbler and people good with acrobatics. Guess they're adding some stuff to the show?"
Is it for the Madeline stunt double that does the fall down the staircase? I hope that doesn’t mean Warren is not longer continuing with the show. But wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in the ensemble for KC Schmigadoon since he did the series.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#470
Posted: 6/19/24 at 12:16pm
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.
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#471
Posted: 6/19/24 at 12:28pm
Swing 2 will definitely be covering for Warren Yang, lol
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#473
Posted: 7/31/24 at 9:05am
Ensemble and swings just announced. New to the Broadway company:
- Kyle Brown
- Lauren Celentano
- Neil Haskell
- Lakota Knuckle
- Ximone Rose
Hilty & Simard to lead DEATH BECOMES HER in Chicago spring 2024#474
Posted: 7/31/24 at 11:55am
Neil Haskell was with the show in Chicago.
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