What's Happening?
The Broadway musical 'Death Becomes Her,' based on the 1992 Universal Pictures film, is set to end its run at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on June 28. Despite being a strong box office performer during the 2024-2025 season and receiving 10 Tony Award nominations,
the production has not recouped its $31.5 million capitalization. The musical, which has played for 20 months and sold 900,000 tickets, features direction and choreography by Christopher Gattelli, a book by Marco Pennette, and an original score by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey. The cast includes Betsy Wolfe, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Michelle Williams. The production is overseen by Universal Theatrical Group, with Lowe Cunningham as the SVP, Head of Creative & Strategy.
Why It's Important?
The closure of 'Death Becomes Her' highlights the financial challenges faced by Broadway productions, even those with critical acclaim and strong box office performances. The inability to recoup a $31.5 million investment underscores the high costs associated with staging large-scale musicals. This situation reflects a broader trend in the theater industry, where many productions struggle to achieve financial success despite artistic achievements. The show's conclusion also impacts the Broadway economy, affecting jobs for cast, crew, and associated businesses. The planned North American tour could provide a new revenue stream and extend the show's reach beyond New York.
What's Next?
Following its Broadway closure, 'Death Becomes Her' will embark on a multi-year North American tour starting in September at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. This tour offers an opportunity to reach new audiences and potentially recoup some of the initial investment. The success of the tour will depend on audience reception and ticket sales in various cities. The production team will likely focus on marketing strategies to attract theatergoers and capitalize on the show's previous acclaim. The tour's performance could influence future decisions regarding potential international tours or adaptations.
