Death Becomes Her at State Theatre

“‘Death Becomes Her’ has been reborn on Broadway as a rousing, raucously entertaining hit, the kind of big, box-ticking blockbuster that one can see sticking around for a long time.” – The Guardian

Cleveland, the secret is out – and man, is it a secret you would die for! If you want perfection, then this is it! No need for visits to sorceresses or drinking a potion – it’s as simple as making your way to the KeyBank State Theatre this season, kicking back, and enjoying a campy, dazzling, wildly entertaining adaptation of your favorite cult-classic film that you didn’t know you needed! 

If you thought that the perfect musical comedy doesn’t exist, think again, because this one is smart, brilliant, and a feast of mind-boggling special effects, powerhouse vocals, legendary putdowns, razor-sharp comedic timing, and biting chemistry! It’s all the Broadway gloss you could possibly want; it’s jam-packed with stunts and illusions that will make you wonder how they did it every single time; it’s extravagant, dazzling costumes oozing with glitzy flair; it’s elaborate sets that will have you gasping for breath; it’s pure, unapologetic drag-style fun – the best possible escape for when things get a little rough, and the perfect buzzy night at the theatre for when things are tip-top! 

So yes Cleveland, this one is destined to be alive forever, so get keen, because Death Becomes Her is coming to the KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square this season! 

Death Becomes Her Tickets

Tickets are flying off the shelves faster than potions can be downed at record-low prices from the KeyBank State Theatre’s box office, so you better make sure to get down there fast if you still want to get in! Alternatively, because time is not on your side, you can simply click on the Buy Tickets link now, and get ready to pick your preferred seats, complete your purchase and download your buyer-guaranteed tickets straight to your phone within minutes, because that’s what TicketSqueeze.com is for – to make your life easier, and make sure you get in to the hottest show of the year! 

“A virtually perfect big-budget, broad-appeal musical comedy that improves in every way over the 1992 film.” – Deadline

SYNOPSIS

What does a fading actress and a forgotten writer have in common?

Madeline Ashton is faced with the age-old matter of being a Broadway and Hollywood star who are noticing some wrinkles, saggy skin, and grey hair – the typical things that happen when one grows older, and also potentially career-ending. Her lifelong frenemy Helen Sharp is faced with the same thing – except, Helen is engaged to an exceptionally gifted plastic surgeon, Ernest Menville. Helen makes the mistake of introducing Ernest to Madeline, leading to Madeline seducing Ernest, breaking up the engagement and getting married to him herself. 

In spite of it all, Helen manages to transform herself into a highly successful author, while Madeline’s marriage to Ernest is crumbling, and she desperately tries to hold onto her youth and career which also seems to be sinking. 

In desperation, Madeline manages to get hold of a glamorous yet mysterious sorceress who provides her with a potion that promises youth and beauty. Helen, who seems rather vibrant and youthful herself, appears – and it becomes clear to Madeline that Helen has already sought out the sorceress and drank the potion herself. 

But as with anything in life, it comes at a price. The question is – what did Madeline and Helen ultimately pay for eternal youth and beauty?

“A laugh riot from start to finish, featuring superb comic performances from its two female leads, a lavish physical physical production, and a book featuring more zingy one-liners than a Friars Club Roast.” – New York Stage Review

CREATIVE TEAM

The 1992 cult classic film turned the world upside down – only until Marco Pennette’s musical adaptation with music and lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey came along. That was then, this is now. 

Death Becomes Her is all the Broadway gloss you could ever want and crave – and with a world-renowned creative team at the helm, it can’t be any other way. The North American tour that is about to run away together, is headed up by award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli (Schmigadoon!, Jim Henson’s Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, Hair, SILENCE! The Musical), and features the incredible talents of musical supervisor and director Mary-Mitchell Campbell, scenic designer Derek McLane, costume designer Paul Tazewell, lighting designer Justin Townsend, sound designer Peter Hylenski, fight director Cha Ramos, illusionist Tom Clothier, orchestrator Doug Besterman, dance and music arranger Sam Davis, music coordinator Kristy Norter, and stage manager Rachel Sterner. 

“ ‘Death Becomes Her’’s deft score, by Broadway newcomers Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, gives the performers plenty of humor to play with, along with nicely overblown strains of mystery and grandeur when called for.” – Time Out New York

CAST

If it’s off-the-charts energy, powerhouse vocals delivered with precision, and firecracker-acting with incredible comedic timing you were after, then look no further! From Madeline and Helen’s biting chemistry and putdowns to Ernest’s lovable charm and Viola’s flair, the performances are simply outstanding! 

Audiences across North America can look forward to experiencing the superb talents of Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet, Waitress, Falsettos, Bullets Over Broadway, The Mystery of Edward Drood) as Madeline Ashton, Jennifer Simard (Company, Mean Girls, Hello, Dolly!, Sister Act, Once Upon a One More Time) as Helen Sharp, Christopher Sieber (Company, The Prom, La Cage Aux Folles, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago) as Ernest Menville, and Michelle Williams (The Color Purple, Chicago, Once on This Island, Aida) as Viola Van Horn. The powerhouse cast also includes Taurean Everett as Chagall and Josh Lamon as Stefan, among others.  

“A silly, campy, go-for-broke show that’s filled with hearty laughs and a pair of gutsy, zesty and highly skilled lead performances.” – Chicago Tribune

HISTORY & LEGACY

Death Becomes Her is finally a musical! 

After the 1992 film was met with much critical acclaim, the writing was on the wall – it had something that simply had to be translated to the stage, and in May 2024 made its world premiere at the iconic Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. It was met with rave reviews, and made the transition to Broadway, premiering in November 2024 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre featuring Megan Hilty as Madeline, Jennifer Simard as Helen, Christopher Sieber as Ernest, and Michelle Williams as Viola Van Horn.

To date, Death Becomes Her has racked up a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award among plenty of award-nominations, including Drama League Award nominations, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, a Chita Rivera Award nomination, a Dorian Award nomination, and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album. 

“A laugh-filled, tuneful Broadway musical to die for!” – Variety

THE KEYBANK STATE THEATRE AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

If you’ve ever been to the iconic Playhouse Square, the theatre district in downtown Cleveland, you’ll know that this is the largest performing arts centre in North America outside of New York, second only to the Lincoln Centre. Here, as part of the Playhouse Square theatre complex at 1519 Euclid Avenue, you’ll find the KeyBank State Theatre, in all its Italian Renaissance glory! Initially intended as a movie and vaudeville theatre, the KeyBank State Theatre made its transition to all things theatre – from revue to ballet, from music concerts to large-scale Broadway productions, from comedy shows to opera – in the early 1980s. Currently the home to the Cleveland Ballet and Cleveland Opera, the KeyBank State Theatre is your go-to for an unforgettable night at the theatre! 

The KeyBank State Theatre is hailed a favorite among theatregoers from all over for many reasons. The theatre, as designed by Thomas W. Lamb, boasts one of the longest lobbies in the world, featuring four 50-foot American Modernist murals by James Daugherty – famously being the only murals by the artist that remain where they were originally painted; a magnificent 3,200 capacity auditorium with the largest proscenium arch stage in Ohio with tiered seating across a dress circle, orchestra floor, loge boxes, a mezzanine, and balcony; and breathtaking finishes with Carrara marble, dark walnut trim, a massive central chandelier, and the antique 325-pound French urn on display. 

To add to it, the KeyBank State Theatre also features some of the best lighting and sound in Ohio, impeccable sight-lines from all seats, crisp acoustics, and incredible modern amenities that cater for every want and need.  

“Fun and fabulous!” – The New York Post