“Death Becomes Her,” a campy musical based on the 1992 cult favorite film, is closing after less than two years on Broadway. After 650 performances over a 20-month run, “Death Becomes Her” will conclude on June 28.
The effects-heavy production is leaving Broadway without recouping its massive $31.5 million investment. It’s been a challenge for new musicals to achieve profitability. Only five musicals to open since the pandemic, “Just In Time,” “MJ,” “Six,” “& Juliet,” and “The Outsiders,” have managed to recoup during their Broadway runs.
“Death Becomes Her” opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in November 2024 to positive reviews. Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard play frenemies whose quest to stay youthful — and to one-up each other at every opportunity — takes a surreal turn when the magic potion they both drink leads to unexpected complications. Hilty and Simard, both of whom were Tony nominated for their comedic performances, played roles that were originated in the movie by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn.
“Death Becomes Her” was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, the most of any show in the 2024-2025 season, but only won for costume design. The show has a chance to recoup its investment through a North American tour, which launches this September at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio.
