Megan Hilty to Bow Out from Broadway’s 'Death Becomes Her' ; Betsy Wolfe Takes Over Lead Role

NEW YORK, NY — Universal Theatrical Group announced Monday that Tony nominee Betsy Wolfe will take over the lead role of Madeline Ashton in the hit musical comedy Death Becomes Her following the departure of Tony nominee Megan Hilty.

Hilty’s final performance as Madeline Ashton is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2026. Wolfe is set to begin her run in the role on Friday, January 16, 2026. Hilty originated the role in both the Chicago world premiere and the subsequent Broadway run, where her performance earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.

Produced by Universal Theatrical Group and based on the 1992 Universal Pictures film, Death Becomes Her was one of the most recognized shows of the 2024-2025 Broadway season, receiving 33 nominations, including 10 Tony Award nominations, alongside nods from the Outer Critics’ Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Chita Rivera Awards.

The story centers on the rivalry between Madeline Ashton, a narcissistic actress, and Helen Sharp, a long-suffering author who lives in Madeline's shadow. The rivalry intensifies after Madeline steals Helen’s fiancé. As Madeline's career wanes and Helen plots revenge, their lives converge with Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman offering a magical potion that restores youth and beauty. The rivals, now immortal, find their eternal feud continues long after their mortal lives should have ended.

Wolfe, a Tony nominee for her role as Anne Hathaway in & Juliet (2023), most recently originated the title role in Joy. Her additional Broadway credits include the musical Waitress and the revival of Falsettos, and she is also known for her performance in the Off-Broadway revival of The Last Five Years.

The current principal cast of Death Becomes Her features Jennifer Simard as Helen Sharp, Christopher Sieber as Ernest Menville, and Grammy winner Michelle Williams as Violet Van Horn. Taurean Everett (Chagall) and Josh Lamon (Stefan) also star, supported by a large ensemble.

The production is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Christopher Gattelli, with a book by Tony nominee Marco Pennette, and an original score by Tony nominees Julia Mattison and Noel Carey. The creative team includes extensive Tony and Drama Desk winners:

• Scenic Design: Derek McLane

• Costume Design: Paul Tazewell

• Lighting Design: Justin Townsend

• Sound Design: Peter Hylenski

• Music Supervision: Mary-Mitchell Campbell

• Orchestrations: Doug Besterman

Casting is managed by Tara Rubin Casting, with general management by 321 Theatrical Management. Marcia Goldberg serves as Executive Producer.