Death Becomes Her
Houston

From Cult Film to Broadway Sensation

The 1992 film Death Becomes Her, directed by Robert Zemeckis, became a cult classic thanks to its dark comedy, pioneering visual effects (it won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects), and iconic performances by Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. A Broadway musical adaptation was first announced in 2017, with the creative team eventually landing on Marco Pennette to write the book and the songwriting duo of Julia Mattison and Noel Carey for the score. The musical premiered at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre in May 2024 during a critically acclaimed pre-Broadway tryout, then transferred to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway, where it opened on November 21, 2024. The show quickly became one of Broadway’s biggest commercial hits and was still running strong when it earned those 10 Tony nominations in spring 2025. Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook.

10 Tony Nominations and a Win

At the 78th Tony Awards on June 8, 2025, Death Becomes Her was among the three most nominated shows of the season with 10 nods. Its nominations included Best Musical, Best Book (Marco Pennette), Best Original Score (Mattison and Carey), Best Leading Actress (both Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard), Best Direction and Best Choreography (both Christopher Gattelli), Best Scenic Design (Derek McLane), Best Costume Design (Paul Tazewell), and Best Lighting Design (Justin Townsend). The show took home the award for Best Costume Design in a Musical, recognizing Tazewell’s glamorous, era-spanning wardrobe. See the full Tony record at TonyAwards.com.

The Creative Team

Death Becomes Her is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies). The production features scenic design by two-time Tony winner Derek McLane, Tony and Academy Award–winning costume design by Paul Tazewell (Hamilton), lighting by Tony winner Justin Townsend, sound by Tony winner Peter Hylenski, hair and wig design by two-time Drama Desk winner Charles LaPointe, make-up by Joe Dulude II, and fight direction by Drama Desk winner Cha Ramos. Music supervision is by Drama Desk winner Mary-Mitchell Campbell, with orchestrations by three-time Tony winner Doug Besterman and dance and music arrangements by Tony nominee Sam Davis. Illusions are designed by Rob Lake (Broadway) and Tim Clothier. The show is produced by Universal Theatrical Group.

The Broadway and Tour Cast

The Broadway production starred Tony nominee Megan Hilty (Wicked, Smash) as Madeline Ashton and Tony nominee Jennifer Simard (Company, Disaster!) as Helen Sharp—a pairing critics call “huge comic talents, ideally cast” (Chicago Tribune). Christopher Sieber plays the hapless Ernest Menville, and Grammy winner Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child) plays the enigmatic Viola Van Horn. Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet, Waitress) joined the cast as Madeline in January 2026. Tour casting will be announced closer to the launch date; check Broadway.com for updates.

The Multi-Year North American Tour

In April 2025, producers announced that Death Becomes Her will embark on a multi-year North American tour launching in Fall 2026 from Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio. Confirmed cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, St. Louis, Charlotte, Houston, and many more. The Houston engagement at Sarofim Hall runs April 20–25, 2027, as part of the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center 2026–2027 season.

Quick Answers About Death Becomes Her in Houston

• What: Death Becomes Her – North American Tour
• When: April 20–25, 2027 (8 performances)
• Where: Sarofim Hall – Hobby Center, 800 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
• Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (one intermission)
• Recommended For: Ages 12 and up
• Book By: Marco Pennette
• Songs By: Julia Mattison & Noel Carey
• Based On: The 1992 Universal Pictures film
• Tony Nominations: 10 (2025), including Best Musical; 1 win (Best Costume Design)

How to Buy Death Becomes Her Houston Tickets

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Sarofim Hall – Hobby Center Venue Guide

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts houses Sarofim Hall, a 2,650-seat venue designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and opened in 2002. The theater was purpose-built for touring Broadway productions, with an orchestra pit for 60 musicians and spacious backstage facilities perfect for effects-heavy shows like Death Becomes Her. Look up before the house lights dim: the Joe and Lee Jamail Celestial Dome Ceiling features over 2,000 fiber optic stars. The Hobby Center is located at 800 Bagby Street in Houston’s Theater District, with adjacent garage parking, METRORail access, and rideshare drop-off zones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Death Becomes Her in Houston

When does Death Becomes Her play in Houston?

Death Becomes Her plays at Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts from April 20 through April 25, 2027. The engagement includes eight performances with evening shows Tuesday through Sunday and matinees on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Where is Death Becomes Her performing in Houston?

The show performs at Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, located at 800 Bagby Street in downtown Houston, Texas. Sarofim Hall seats 2,650 patrons and is Houston’s premier home for touring Broadway productions.

What is Death Becomes Her the Musical about?

Based on the 1992 film, the musical follows two feuding frenemies, Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp, who take a magical potion promising eternal youth and beauty. When the potion’s side effects turn deadly, chaos and comedy ensue. It is a hilarious, campy story about vanity, rivalry, and the absurd lengths people go to in order to stay young.

How long is Death Becomes Her?

The running time is approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including one intermission. Plan to arrive at Sarofim Hall at least 45 minutes before curtain time to allow for parking, security, and finding your seat.

Is Death Becomes Her appropriate for children?

Death Becomes Her is recommended for ages 12 and up. The show contains adult humor, mild innuendo, comic violence, and theatrical special effects including strobe lighting. Children under 5 are not permitted. Parents should use their best judgment based on their child’s maturity level.

How many Tony Awards did Death Becomes Her receive?

Death Becomes Her earned 10 Tony Award nominations in 2025, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score, and dual Best Leading Actress nominations. The show won one Tony for Best Costume Design in a Musical, recognizing Paul Tazewell’s glamorous wardrobe designs.

Who stars in the Broadway production of Death Becomes Her?

The Broadway production stars Megan Hilty as Madeline Ashton and Jennifer Simard as Helen Sharp, with Christopher Sieber as Ernest Menville and Michelle Williams as Viola Van Horn. Betsy Wolfe joined the cast as Madeline in January 2026. Tour casting will be announced separately for the national tour.

Is this the same production as Broadway?

The North American tour features the same direction and choreography by Christopher Gattelli and the same Tony-winning production design that made the Broadway show a hit. Audiences can expect the same spectacular illusions, costumes, and staging adapted for the touring format.

Are there matinee performances in Houston?

Yes. Death Becomes Her offers two matinee performances in Houston: Saturday, April 24 at 2:00 PM and Sunday, April 25 at 1:30 PM. Matinees are a great option for groups and anyone who prefers earlier show times.

Is the Death Becomes Her cast recording available?

Yes. The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Death Becomes Her is available digitally on all major streaming platforms via Concord Theatricals Recordings, with CD and vinyl editions also released. Listening before the show is a great way to get familiar with the score.

How can I get the best price on Death Becomes Her Houston tickets?

BigStub offers competitive, all-in pricing from verified sellers with no hidden fees. Browse the available performances above to compare prices across all eight Houston shows. Weeknight performances often offer the most favorable pricing, and every purchase includes buyer protection.

Is BigStub the official ticket seller for Death Becomes Her?

No. BigStub is an independent resale marketplace, not the official box office. We connect fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive prices. Ticket prices are set by third-party sellers and may be above or below face value. All transactions are processed securely with buyer protection.

Where can I park for Death Becomes Her at the Hobby Center?

The Hobby Center Parking Garage is located adjacent to the venue. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The venue is also accessible via Houston METRORail at the Theater District station, and rideshare drop-off zones are available on Bagby Street near the main entrance.

What is the seating capacity at Sarofim Hall?

Sarofim Hall seats 2,650 patrons across Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony levels. The venue was designed specifically for touring Broadway productions and offers excellent sightlines from nearly every seat, along with world-class acoustics.

Is Death Becomes Her based on the movie with Meryl Streep?

Yes. The musical is adapted from the 1992 Universal Pictures film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. The stage version features an original score and expanded story by Marco Pennette, with the character of Lisle von Rhuman reimagined as Viola Van Horn. Fans of the film will recognize the story and iconic moments brought spectacularly to life on stage.