Death Becomes Her

Forever Young

Looks seem to be everything in our culture. Trying to appear forever young is a preoccupation with everyone these days, at least in this country. Creams, salves and other products guaranteeing youthful faces and hands, hair dye and trendy coifs that turn back time, varicose veins removed so legs look younger and weight loss pills, shots and exercise programs that promise a new, slimmer body are in high demand. And, if those methods aren’t fast enough for you, there’s always botox injections or simply going under the knife. 

But what if there was a magical potion that could not only guarantee to restore a person’s young, attractive appearance, but also promise eternal life inside that renovated body? That was the premise of the 1992 film by Robert Zemeckis, a black comedy that satirized America’s yen for youthfulness. The popular movie, which starred Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis and Isabella Rossellini, set box office records. It was filled with glamour, star power and, especially for that time, astounding special effects.

The story revolves around the love/hate relationship between two old friends. Madeline Ashton is a fading Broadway celebrity and movie actress, while her longtime friend, Helen Sharp is a former actress and now an aspiring author. Both women find that their looks are fading and are hellbent to do whatever it takes to restore their youth. Although Helen is engaged to Dr. Ernest Menville, a gifted reconstructive mortician, the amoral Madeline sees the surgeon as a means to own her own path to appearing prime. Typical of Miss Ashton, Madeline steals Ernest away from Helen, marries him and drives her friend toward a stay in a mental hospital. 

Time passes and, thanks to Madeline’s push, Dr. Menville has given up his former career to become the “Surgeon to the Stars.” With her own private plastic surgeon in the house, Madeline Ashton thinks she’s struck gold, while Helen Sharp continues wasting away in a mental ward. Shortly afterwards, Madeline discovers the mysterious cult of lovely Viola Van Horn, the mistress of a private club where, for a huge sum of money, one can buy a potion that promises a eternal youth and life. But Helen escapes from the mental institution with vengeance consuming every fiber of her being. Suddenly, the plot turns to revenge, and it is true that it’s best served cold.

Based upon the popular cult film, DEATH BECOMES HER is a brand new, Broadway-bound musical to die for. With a clever, hilarious book by television sitcom writer, Marco Pennette, and a catchy musical score co-written by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, this electrifying new show is practically perfect in every way. 

Known by most audiences as Ivy Lynn, from NBC’s delightful musical drama, “Smash,” Megan Hilty is magnificent as the overbearing, egomaniac, Madeline Ashton. Remembered by avid theatergoers for her wonderful portrayals of Glinda, in WICKED, Doralee Rhodes, the Dolly Parton-inspired character in the musical of 9 TO 5, and her brilliant, Tony-nominated role of Brooke Aston (another Ashton!) in NOISES OFF, Ms. Hilty absolutely owns the stage in this musical. From her show-stopping opening number to her 11th hour duet with her costar, Megan Hilty leaves no doubt that she’s a bonafide Toast of the Town. Ms. Hilty is one of many reasons to drop everything to go and see this priceless preBroadway production.

As astounding and mega talented as her costar, lovely Jennifer Simard is absolute perfection as Helen Sharp. The multi-award-winning Broadway star, who dazzled in COMPANY, ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME, MEAN GIRLS, HELLO DOLLY and the cult hit, DISASTER! is great! Ms. Simard, a real Broadway Baby, acts and sings the hell out of this role and is Megan Hilty’s talented equal at every turn in this new musical.

Although the story is dominated by the two competing, designing women, Broadway star Christopher Sieber easily holds his own as Dr. Ernest Menville. Often playing second fiddle to the two dog-eat-dog divas, Mr. Sieber provides plenty of laughs and offers scores of standout moments. His solo number in the second act, performed in his study, is genius. Performed by a veteran of so many wonderful musicals, Mr. Sieber, who’s been enjoyed in such shows as COMPANY, MATILDA, PIPPIN, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, SHREK and my favorite, SPAMALOT, is sensational.

Beautiful, and a singer without equal, Michelle Williams does a fine job as the mysterious Viola Van Horn. Known for her musical prowess, especially as a member of Destiny’s Child, Ms. Williams has appeared on Broadway in the musicals THE COLOR PURPLE and CHICAGO. From her first glorious entrance, rising from the depths of the orchestra pit, to leading the cast in several impressive ensemble numbers, she initiates the story. Michelle Williams looks great and sounds phenomenal. However, there are moments when, as an actor, the singer doesn’t appear completely involved. Perhaps it’s the way the role is written, but Ms. Williams could be stronger and fiercer. Right now her character doesn’t feel as if she’s totally in the moment.

Did I mention the ensemble? Wow! This large company of truly gifted actor/singer/dancers is peerless. Musically Directed and Conducted by Ben Cohn, with terrific stage Direction and acrobatic Choreography by Broadway’s beloved Tony-winner, Christopher Gattelli (known for his astounding work in NEWSIES), this gorgeous and gifted ensemble simply glitters and glows. 

Technical artistry is on display every moment of this sumptuous show. Scenic Designer Derek McLane impresses with plush settings that flow on and off stage seamlessly. They’re bathed in Justin Townsend’s lush Lighting, which, like the entire company, makes the show look fabulous. Paul Tazewell’s stylish Costume Designs are made even more beautiful by Joe Dulude II’s Makeup Designs and, especially, the elaborate Hair and Wig Designs created by Charles LaPointe. Kudos to the unbelievable Illusions, designed by Rob Lake, and Fight Director Thomas Schall’s perfectly choreographed physical combat.

In this dark, sharply satirical comedy, a fantasy about our obsession to stay forever young, Christopher Gattelli has conjured up an incredible production. It’s filled with star power, magnificent performances, a gorgeous look and sound, plenty of bitchiness and nonstop laughs. The show has an easy-to-follow story based upon the popular film, with a score guaranteed to enchant every adult theatergoer. 

Heading to Broadway in the Fall, here’s an opportunity to see this incredible show without traveling to the Big Apple. DEATH BECOMES HER, however, is a work in progress and there’s still time for some tweaks and tempering before October. After all, that’s what this Broadway in Chicago production is for. The script could use a few edits and the musical score is still being reworked, with numbers added and deleted daily. But this stellar new show, unlike many shows that’ve had their out-of-town tryouts in Chicago, is practically perfect in every way and ready for its closeup. DEATH BECOMES HER is a bonafide hit!   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 30-June 2 by Broadway in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago.

Tickets are available at all BIC box offices, at all Ticketmaster retail locations, by calling the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by going to www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.