Death Becomes Her is no longer on Broadway, but will be touring the U.S.
I held back on seeing it initiallty since I had seen the movie and wasn’t sure I wanted to then see the Broadway show. But I’m glad I did. I decided to do so after hearing many friends say what a fun show it was, with great staging and songs, and some fun “tricks.” But is Death Becomes her appropriate for kids? Read on.
If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll find the show hews closely to it. Obviously fewer settings. And more dancing and singing.
A brief plotline that avoids all the nuance (SPOILER ALERT):
Two women (frenemies) meet up after a long-time absense. The frumpy woman is engaged to a plastic surgeon. The other, an aging celebrity, continues to steal the spotlight and make it all about her. She looks fabulous, as it turns out, thanks to drinking a magic elixir. She steals the fiance away. The frumpy woman ends up getting the elixir too. The women fight over the man. Heads turn (literally). The man eventually tries to leave but is trapped.
Here’s what the kids will like in Death Becomes Her
- The colors and staging are fun.
- The intro number with Lisle, the magical character who offers the potion, is a stunner
- The tricks are fun. Heads spinning. Falls down the staircase. Singing inantimate objects in the artist studio.
- Good songs
- Quick outfit changes that are visually amazing
Is Death Becomes Her appropriate for kids?
The theater recommends the show for ages 14+ and I agree. Here’s what parents may not find so fun for their kids:
- The subject matter content: two women fighting over a man. Cheating. Catfights. Drunkenness.
- Potentially discussions about aging and vanity – and the idea that women can’t get older without feeling badly about themselves.
- The dancers are fantastic, but the dancing is suggestive (including same-sex suggestiveness).
- The dancer outfits are super sexy and may not be appropriate for kids.
The people in front of me brought their daughter, who looked to be about 9 years old. There were several scenes that made ME uncomfortable to watch, with her there. I didn’t talk to her parents, but I would not have wanted my child of that age in there watching. I recommend keeping your kids home unless they are 14+. Aside from the fun staging, it really felt to me like a show that is not meant for younger kids. The plot alone should make you think twice.
