It’s always exciting when a pre-Broadway show comes to Chicago to test the waters and learn from our sophisticated audiences what will make a show a smash hit on Broadway! “Death Becomes Her” is the next and current production treat for Chicago audiences.

Based on the classic cult movie starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, this new musical-comedy promises to give fans what they expect to see, but a lot more as well. Joining the conversation are the show’s stars: Megan Hilty (playing Madeline Ashton, the Meryl Streep role in the movie), Jennifer Simard (playing Helen Sharp, the Goldie Hawn role in the movie), Christopher Sieber (playing Ernest Menville, the Bruce Willis role in the movie) and Michelle Williams (yeah, THAT Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child fame, playing Viola van Horn, played by Isabella Rosselini in the movie).

Also sharing their thoughts are the music/lyric writing team of Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, and the production’s producers: Chris Herzberger and Lowe Cunningham. This is a very fun chat with an energetic group of celebrities and creatives.

“Death Becomes Her: plays through June 2nd at the Cadillac Palace Theatre and tickets can be purchased at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com

“Death Becomes Her” by Paul Lisnek, “Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com

****/4

Death Becomes her…..AND completely Becomes and consumes Us too!!

This is one of the most promising and likely Broadway hits to appear on a Chicago stage. It is exactly what a Broadway hit should be: sparkle, glamour, hilarity, and big!

In the words of Megan Hilty’s character, Madeline Ashton “pretty perfect….just sayin’ “ and those are the words to best characterize this new pre-Broadway production of “Death Becomes Her.” The term “Pre-Broadway” could not be more accurate since this show is already set for an October opening on the Great White Way. Clearly the producers and creative team know they have a hit on their hands, so why waste time…get ready Big Apple!

The fun begins from the very first moment and the continuous purple hue of the stage and set perhaps serves to let us know, we are about to experience a rare production filled with Broadway royalty. Hilty and Jennifer Seward (as Ashton’s long time “frien-emy, ” Helen Sharp) could not be more perfect for their roles. The dynamic between the two of them is reminiscent of the great Broadway divas of all time, think Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked or the Make-up elites in War Paint…

Fans of the movie may come in with an expectation of leads played by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, but those thoughts will be fleeting. Truth be told…Once Megan and Jennifer took the stage completely engaged a willing and excited audience, instantly made these roles their own. I mean, Meryl and Goldie, who?? And I met fans of the musical who told me they were back for the 2nd, third and 4th time already! One friend in Australia saw it twice, and said he will fly back to the US for the Broadway run. That’s one strong magic spell!

Christopher Sieber brings his classic brand of comedy and comedic timing to everything he does (think his classic portrayal in Spamalot). And in Death, he accomplishes nothing less. The three of them blend together in a love-hate relationship that plays perfectly.

And potion maker Viola Van Horn (played by Isabella Rossellini in the film) is magnificently captured by the stunning voice and presence of Michelle Williams whose magic powers are not only part of the character, but part of her magical presence as well.

The production offers camp and corn, but it works here.

Don’t miss this show! Playing only through June 2nd, a ticket now saves the cost of plane fare and hotel which you will certainly be spending when this hit opens on Broadway.

Chicago knows theater…and Chicago knows Death Becomes Her is a certain hit!!