Kristin Chenoweth to Star in Stage Musical Version of Meryl Streep’s ‘Death Becomes Her’
Universal is developing project based on Robert Zemeckis’ 1992 black comedy with Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis
Thom Geier | December 13, 2017 @ 9:00 AM
Last Updated: December 13, 2017 @ 11:15 AM
Tony- and Emmy-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth is attached to star in a stage musical version of the 1992 dark comedy “Death Becomes Her,” which Universal Theatrical Group is currently developing.
Chenoweth would play Madeline Ashton, the vain actress first played by Meryl Streep in director Robert Zemeckis’ hit, which won an Oscar for visual effects.
The film starred Streep and Goldie Hawn as bitter rivals who drink a mysterious potion expecting eternal youth — only to discover that they have died and become walking and talking corpses. Bruce Willis also starred.
Universal, whose stage credits include the megahit “Wicked” as well as stage musical versions of the studio films like “Billy Elliot” and “Bring It On,” has not yet announced a composer, writer or director for the project.
Universal Pictures President Jimmy Horowitz and UTG VP Chris Herzberger will oversee the project. The company recently announced plans to develop a stage musical based on the life and musical catalog of the Bee Gees.
Chenoweth’s Broadway credits include “Wicked,” “On the Twentieth Century” and “Promises, Promises.” On TV she has starred in “West Wing,” “Glee” and “American Gods.” She is repped by ICM Partners.
17 Top-Grossing Broadway Musicals of All Time, From 'Hamilton' to 'The Lion King' (Photos)
A ranked list of the biggest hits on the Great White Way, as of March 8, 2020 (according to The Broadway League)
17. "Rent" (original production) Opened: April 29, 1996 Closed: Sept. 7, 2008 Gross: $274.2 million
16. "The Producers" Opened: April 19, 2001 Closed: April 22, 2007 Gross: $288.4 million
15. "Mary Poppins" Opened: Nov. 16, 2006 Closed: March 3, 2013 Gross: $294.6 million
14. "Miss Saigon" (original production) Opened: April 11, 1991 Closed: Jan. 28, 2001 Gross: $298.7 million
13. "Kinky Boots" Opened: April 4, 2013 Closed: April 7, 2019 Gross to date: $319.0 million
12. "Les Misérables" (original production) Opened: March 12, 1987 Closed: May 18, 2003 Gross: $406.3 million
