Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
Dee Roscioli has made a remarkable entrance as “Madeline Ashton” in the new musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her, which premiered this past Tuesday evening. Roscioli, a talent who has previously made headlines as a standby for Broadway stars Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard in *Wicked*, took on the role with both poise and enthusiasm, also scheduled to appear in the afternoon matinee on April 16. Attendees were treated to her first performance, a moment captured in several first-look photographs.
Prior to Roscioli’s debut, Hilty congratulated her on social media, praising her exceptional skill, composure, and kind-hearted nature. Hilty remarked on the powerful reputation Roscioli has built over the years and ended her message with an uplifting reminder: “do it for the GAZE!”
Roscioli has a solid foundation in theater, having gained fame for her portrayal of Elphaba in *Wicked* across various productions including those on Broadway, in Chicago, and during the National Tour. Her recent role as Celine Dion in the Off-Broadway production of Titanique is also noteworthy, alongside her roles in *The Cher Show* and the revival of *Fiddler on the Roof*.
To those seeking a fresh theatrical experience, *Death Becomes Her* promises to be an engaging and comedic showcase, derived from the renowned 1992 film. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli, the musical features a book by Marco Pennette and music by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, aiming to capture the essence of the original while infusing it with new life.
The narrative of *Death Becomes Her* follows the fierce rivalry between Madeline Ashton, a self-proclaimed stunning actress, and Helen Sharp, an author perpetually overshadowed by her. Their tumultuous relationship takes a turn for the worse when Madeline entices Helen’s fiancé. As Helen seeks her vengeance and Madeline grapples with declining relevance, the discovery of a mysterious potion from Viola Van Horn leads to unexpected consequences, allowing both women to reclaim their youth and intensify their longstanding feud.
The original film, featuring stars like Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis, has achieved cult status thanks to its sharp satire, groundbreaking visual effects, and memorable story. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it explores themes of obsession with beauty and immortality while benefiting from a blend of humor and innovative cinematic techniques.
Over time, *Death Becomes Her* has solidified its place in pop culture, becoming a symbol of queer representation and social commentary on beauty standards and aging. Its enduring legacy is exemplified by regular tributes and its influence on contemporary media.
Prior to making its Broadway debut, the musical was showcased at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago in early 2024, where it starred notable performers such as Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Michelle Williams in both the Chicago and original Broadway productions.
Oh, Mary!
Lyceum Theatre (Broadway)
Meanwhile, the original cast of *Oh, Mary!*, including its creator Cole Escola, has returned to Broadway. Escola portrays a distressed Mary Todd Lincoln in the moments leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, alongside an ensemble featuring Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, Bianca Leigh, and Tony Macht.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com