All Of It: Megan Hilty in 'Death Becomes Her'

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Megan Hilty
Release Date: December 9, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart welcomes Broadway sensation Megan Hilty to discuss her role in the new Broadway adaptation of Death Becomes Her. The conversation delves into the nuances of bringing the cult classic story to life on stage, exploring themes of fame, aging, and the pursuit of eternal youth.

Overview of 'Death Becomes Her' Musical

Death Becomes Her is a satirical take on Hollywood's obsession with youth and beauty. The musical follows Madeline Ashton, a once-successful actress who, in her quest to remain forever young, makes a Faustian bargain that grants her eternal youth at a dire cost. The production is lauded for its humor, campy style, and clever incorporation of music and special effects.

Conversation with Megan Hilty

Cultural Relevance: Women's Bodies and Aging

Timestamp [04:14]:
Alison: "This year there have been all of this media and content about women's bodies and about aging. Your show makes reference to Sunset Boulevard about an aging actress. Why do you think this conversation is emerging again and again in the culture?"

Megan Hilty:
"It is very topical. What I love is that it provides, if you look at what's happening on Broadway this season, it's all women, 40 and above... these amazing women taking the stage, tackling the fear of losing relevancy after 40."
[04:14]

Adapting a Classic for Broadway

Timestamp [05:06]:
Alison: "Did you watch the original movie?"

Megan Hilty:
"I'm a huge fan of the movie. It’s one of my all-time favorite films. When asked which movie I'd love to see as a Broadway musical, I immediately said Death Becomes Her. Here we are!"
[05:06]

Timestamp [05:32]:
Megan Hilty:
"It's so over the top and campy that we break out into song naturally. The exaggerated elements drive the storyline further."
[05:32]

Character Development: Madeline Ashton

Timestamp [06:19]:
Alison: "When we first meet Madeline, where is she in her career, in her life?"

Megan Hilty:
"She's in the prime of her career and believes so. Everything's going great until her old friend Helen shows up and ruins everything."
[06:22]

Voice and Performance Dynamics

Timestamp [07:21]:
Megan Hilty:
"I draw on characters like Valerie Cherish from The Comeback, Lucille Bluth from Arrested Development, and Miss Piggy to shape Madeline's voice, with a bit of myself."
[07:03]

Timestamp [08:06]:
Megan Hilty:
"Madeline has two distinctive voice tones: one when she's confident and fabulous, and another when she's at her low points. This contrast highlights her character's struggles."
[08:06]

Humor and One-Liners

Timestamp [08:33]:
Megan Hilty:
"There are so many one-liners and zingers in the show. For instance, when I say to Helen, 'I have an idea,' and she responds, 'I'm all ears,' and I retort, 'I begged you to have them pinned back years ago.' It's delightfully rude and so funny."
[08:33]

On-Stage Relationships and Chemistry

Timestamp [10:17]:
Megan Hilty:
"The relationship between Madeline and Helen drives the whole show. Their constant need to one-up each other stems from a deep-seated admiration and love, despite the rivalry."
[10:17]

Rehearsal Process and Vocal Harmony

Timestamp [13:24]:
Megan Hilty:
"In our rehearsals, we weave our voices in and out without one always being on top. This balance symbolizes their fluctuating relationship dynamics."
[13:24]

Special Effects and Safety

Timestamp [17:49]:
Megan Hilty:
"The special effects, like twisting Madeline's neck or falling down stairs, are done in a campy way that resonates with the show's tone. Safety is paramount, and our stage manager ensures everything runs smoothly."
[17:49]

The Difficulty of Comedy in Theater

Timestamp [22:45]:
Megan Hilty:
"Comedy is incredibly difficult because it requires an effortless appearance while performing meticulously crafted moments. Maintaining freshness in eight shows a week is a challenge."
[22:45]

Costume Design and Character Expression

Timestamp [24:28]:
Megan Hilty:
"Madeline's costumes tell her story—from sequins and feathers representing her vibrant past to blue suits signifying her struggles. Paul Tazewell's designs are integral in portraying her character's journey."
[24:28]

Notable Performances and Anecdotes

Megan shares delightful anecdotes about incorporating jokes related to her past role in Wicked and discusses the camaraderie with co-star Jennifer Simard. Their on-stage chemistry brings an additional layer of humor and depth to the performance.

Timestamp [25:34]:
Megan Hilty:
"Every night, I add a new joke about Wicked being sponsored by imaginary companies like Charmin. It's a fun way to keep the performance fresh and engage the audience."
[25:34]

Closing Remarks

Megan Hilty expresses her gratitude for being part of a show that creates a safe space for laughter and joy. She emphasizes the privilege of contributing to a production that allows audiences to escape their daily troubles for a few hours.

Timestamp [19:33]:
Megan Hilty:
"It's a privilege to be part of a show where the only requirement is to laugh for two and a half hours, creating a safe space for everyone."
[19:33]

Timestamp [27:35]:
Megan Hilty:
"I love your show. Thank you for having me."
[27:35]

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a behind-the-scenes look into Megan Hilty's vibrant portrayal of Madeline Ashton in Death Becomes Her. Through insightful discussion and entertaining anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the creative process behind bringing this ambitious musical to life on Broadway.