‘Death Becomes Her’ Musical Serves Camp and Glam at Playhouse Square
Liam Cutwater · October 7, 2026
Cleveland gets a first look at the ‘Death Becomes Her’ musical as it launches its North American tour at Playhouse Square, bringing dark comedy and campy spectacle.
Cleveland’s theater scene just scored a major win—‘Death Becomes Her: The Musical’ kicked off its North American tour at Playhouse Square. For those craving deadly glamor, biting laughs, and well-dressed immortals, this campy spectacle is the show Cleveland didn't know it needed… but absolutely deserves.
The Magic Begins: What to Expect On Stage
Walk into the KeyBank State Theatre and you’re hit with electric purples, gilded accents, and the promise of magic—yes, the musical pulls out all the stops visually and sonically. Local fans might get a nostalgic rush from the Tony-winning costume designs of Akron’s own Paul Tazewell, while the onstage illusions will make you wonder if anyone actually dies in Cleveland anymore.
- Lighting by Justin Townsend sets a surreal scene
- Eleven-piece band leads the way (conductor Matt Doebler, take a bow)
- Paul Tazewell’s costumes are a love letter to both the film and stage
The Campy Plot: Rivalry, Magic Potions, Eternal Youth
The musical sticks to the beloved bones of the 1992 cult classic: two vain, cutthroat women (Madeline and Helen) discover a potion for eternal youth. Soon they’re physically—and hilariously—falling apart while failing to out-do each other. Throw in a befuddled plastic surgeon fiancé, quick-witted assistants, and the fabulous Viola Van Horn, and you’ve got 2+ hours of dark comedy with just a pinch of existential dread.
- Starring Jackie Burns (Madeline) & Kristen Beth Williams (Helen)
- Ken Marino as the delightfully frazzled Ernest
- Nasia Thomas stuns as seductive, sinister Viola
Feast for the Senses: Music, Choreography, and Comedy
Don’t expect a rehash of the film—the stage adaptation turns up the wit, camp, and emotional depth. Thanks to book writer Marco Pennette and the musical team Julia Mattison & Noel Carey, the show’s sharp dialogue and complex lyrics have the crowd in stitches (or tears, depending on the scene). Iconic moments from the film—falling apart, being electrocuted, that red dress—all get their due, but with new musical numbers and fresh jokes every step of the way.
- Highlights: “For the Gaze” (a loving queer tribute), “Falling Apart,” “The Plan”
- Choreography by Christopher Gattelli paints the ensemble as otherworldly, ageless icons
- Physical comedy (yes, literal broken bodies) stays true to the film’s charm
Pure Cleveland: Why It Matters the Tour Starts Here
This isn’t just any stop—Cleveland is the first city to see this Broadway fresh spectacle on tour. Our city’s love for weird and wonderful art means audiences get to see national-caliber talent and big-budget production values before the rest of the country. For Paul Tazewell, the Tony-winning costume designer who grew up down the highway in Akron, it’s sort of a homecoming party with zombies, sparkles, and all.
- Only-in-CLE bragging rights: tour launch city
- Spotlight on local talent (and roots)
- The KeyBank State Theatre shines in its starring role
How to Catch ‘Death Becomes Her’ in Cleveland
Ready to enter a world of immortality, rivalry, and seriously stunning hats? ‘Death Becomes Her: The Musical’ runs at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre for a limited window. Don’t wait—this show’s going to be the talk of the town, whether you show up for the spectacle, the dark laughs, or the sheer Cleveland pride.
- Venue: Playhouse Square, KeyBank State Theatre
- Ticket info, showtimes, and additional details can be found on the Playhouse Square website and box office
Immortal beauty is temporary, but Cleveland’s theater energy is forever. Grab those tickets and let the camp begin!