The Broadway scene is once again alive with excitement, as the recent adaptation of “Death Becomes Her,” inspired by the 1992 cult classic film, showcases the enduring allure of theatrical performances. In its second week at the iconic Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, the musical exceeded expectations, grossing a remarkable $1,073,018 during its preview performances, while boasting a nearly full house with 98% seat occupancy. This phenomenal start underscores the musical’s immediate connection with audiences and marks a promising revival that highlights the theatrical magic inherent to Broadway.
The energetic ensemble, featuring talents such as Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Michelle Williams, brings rich performances to the stage, embodying the playful and comedic essence of the original story. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, with each performer infusing their characters with a blend of humor and emotional depth that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers to the narrative. This dynamic combination undoubtedly contributes to the musical’s success and sets a high bar for other productions vying for attention in the crowded Broadway landscape.
While “Death Becomes Her” relishes in its success, the competition is less than stellar. Other productions, such as “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” and “Maybe Happy Ending,” struggled to attract audiences, filling only 75% and 78% of their respective venues, and grossing significantly less than “Death Becomes Her.” In fact, “Tammy Faye,” a musical collaboration between Elton John and Jake Shears, managed to fill just 64% of the Palace Theatre’s seats, revealing a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of “Death Becomes Her.” This disparity indicates a potential shift in audience preferences, with musicals centered on nostalgia and comedic charm resonating more strongly at the moment.
The Broader Broadway Landscape
Looking at the broader Broadway picture, the overall earning for the week ending November 3 showed a slight dip, totaling $32,939,767 – a 3% decrease from the prior week. However, despite this drop, attendance figures remained steady, suggesting a robust interest in live performances amid contrasting results for individual shows. Season-to-date statistics further illustrate Broadway’s recovery trajectory, with a gross of $751,471,960 and total attendance climbing around 10% compared to the previous year. These figures indicate that while not every production hits the bullseye, audiences are still eager to immerse themselves in the magic of live theater.
With the current season being a mixed bag for many shows, “Death Becomes Her” offers a glimmer of hope and a blueprint for success. The ability to attract and engage audiences is paramount in today’s competitive theatrical environment. As Broadway continues to evolve, productions that can blend nostalgic elements with innovative storytelling will likely remain at the forefront of this esteemed art form. As we look ahead, it remains to be seen how the rest of the season will unfold, but for now, “Death Becomes Her” stands as a celebrated beacon of Broadway’s enduring resilience.