I went with Culture Editor Stella Powers to Columbus to see “Death Becomes Her” on Oct. 9. It was performed at the Ohio Theater, a beautiful building with stunning interior architecture.
Before this experience, I had never seen a touring production, let alone a Broadway production, which made this experience extra special.
When we first walked in, the theater was buzzing with energy. We made our way to our seats after getting our programs, and the stage was lit a deep purple, with the potion, one of the show’s central pieces, on display.
Our seats were very close to the orchestra pit, which is partially hidden underneath the stage, and I found that the music from our spot was perfect.
One of my favorite parts of the whole show was the absolutely stunning costumes. They were the definition of glitz, glitter and glam.
From the beginning, when Nasia Thomas walks on stage as Viola Van Horn, her costume, along with her presence on stage, demands to be looked at. Her costume was a high-collared gown with elaborate textures and shining hues. Her entrance, paired with her costume, immediately establishes her as a powerful, central character.
Madeline Ashton (Jackie Burns) and Helen Sharp (played by standby Gail Bennett at this performance) both had delightful and highly engaging stage presences. This specific show was only Bennett’s second performance as Helen, and she did wonderfully. Prior to her debut, she didn’t get the chance to have a put-in rehearsal. Her chemistry with Burns was immediately apparent; it was impossible to look away.
Ken Marino’s rendition of Ernest Menville was perfect. He executed each line with amazing comedic timing and bravado.
Along with the leading cast, the ensemble was great. They were perfectly in sync with each other, and individually they all held their own, which made them even more powerful together.
After the show, we went to the stage door outside where the actors came out. We got to meet Burns, Marino, Thomas and more. Everyone on the cast was friendly and welcoming, and they all took the time to sign our programs and have a small conversation with us.
When I told some of the actors it was my first show, they responded with genuine excitement that their performance of “Death Becomes Her” was my first one.
“Confrontation” is the last song before intermission, and after that final note and intermission began, the crowd was filled with palpable energy.
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The second half of the show was just as strong as the first; no one showed any signs of weariness.
I loved watching the relationship between Madeline and Helen develop. The actors and the script itself show a deep understanding of complex female relationships.
The production also speaks a lot about how the entertainment industry treats older women who are “past their prime.” While on the outside this show is all about glamor, looks and youth, it brings into a greater question what’s really important about being human and mortal.
These complex topics layer perfectly together with the sort of theatrical dark humor that “Death Becomes Her” provides.
When the curtain call began, the entire crowd was standing and showering the cast and crew with applause. Seeing all of the passion and dedication that goes into a live performance like this is something that truly cannot be conveyed over a screen.
Ren Chaffee is a sophomore strategic communication major with a minor in rhetoric/writing and has a passion for writing and music. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, spending time in nature and hanging out with her dog.