How Much Did the Recasting Affect "Death Becomes Her"? — Page 2

Not for nothing, Megan and Jen missed A LOT of performances early in the run, which also made a dent in an audience base that would have further fanned word of mouth. It was the running narrative of the show for months. So it's clear that the show's popularity was built around them and their performances both individually, but their chemistry as a pair more importantly. I agree with others that had they had a full new crop of leads start at the same time, that could have been made into a moment of some kind, even if the names weren't crazy exciting. Not every Broadway leading woman can sing those roles, that's for sure, so it would've been a casting challenge regardless.

I don’t think recasting affected this show at all.

DEATH BECOMES HER was, as other people have already said, a niche show based on a niche property for niche audiences. That crowd saw it when it was still the hot, new spectacle with a capital “S”, and rightfully so. It didn’t have a super long lifespan.

Also, the show is heavily demanding and super physical, so it doesn’t lend itself that well to consistent stunt casting.

I’m expecting the same spectacular drop-off to happen to THE LOST BOYS around early to mid-2027.

Updated On: 6/15/26 at 05:00 PM

skyboy said: "If people don't think casting can have an impact, look at Hadestown. That show has exceeded all expectations as to how long it would run and it is 100% due to casting reinvigorating interest and getting audiences to return. They've done a truly exceptional job.

That said, DBH has a substantially heavier lift in casting because, as many have said, the roles are so demanding that it is not a lucrative career move for most actresses (or even A-list names) we'd love to see replace. It is a big risk."

Hadestown has done a terrific job of recasting. They don’t go for, and probably couldn’t get, huge stars. But it tends to be an interesting collection of actors that usually includes one or two performers with a fanbase that extends beyond the show. Hadestown is also a really good musical.

The physical demands on the leading ladies of Death Becomes Her appears to have made it an easy role to turn down for a replacement.