Michelle Williams Broadway Recap: "Death Becomes Her"

From Destiny's Child To Fulfilling A New Destiny On Broadway

Entertainment Desk - Grammy Award-winning artist Michelle Williams, widely celebrated for her legacy with Destiny’s Child, has made a striking return to the New York stage. In the Broadway musical adaptation of the 1992 cult classic Death Becomes Her, Williams originates the role of Viola Van Horn, the mysterious and glamorous purveyor of a literal "to die for" potion.

The production, which opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 21, 2024, sees Williams stepping into a character inspired by Lisle von Rhuman (originally played by Isabella Rossellini in the film).

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A Commanding Presence and Vocal Power

Williams serves as the show’s narrative spark, delivering the high-stakes opening number, "If You Want Perfection." Dressed in jewel-encrusted gowns designed by Tony Award-winner Paul Tazewell, she introduces the audience to the magical substance that promises eternal youth—at a steep price.

Reviews have highlighted the sheer power of her performance:

• Vocal Excellence: Critics have praised her "amazing and powerful" vocals, noting that her voice effortlessly soars through the score’s most demanding numbers.

  
  

• Grand Entrances: As the "wily potion master," Williams is gifted with some of the most memorable stage entrances on Broadway this season.

  
  

• Character Depth: Williams describes Viola as a "smart scientist" who influences others to change their lives forever, an "iconic" role she felt it was the perfect time to tackle after a six-year hiatus from Broadway.

  
  

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Making the Role Her Own

While the character is a new invention for the stage, Williams drew inspiration from the "stately" nature of the original film's portrayal. 

She noted in interviews that she consciously developed a specific, controlled stance for the role to convey Viola’s mystery, moving away from her naturally animated personality to focus the performance in her "eyes and the strike of a finger."

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A Seasoned Broadway Veteran

Death Becomes Her marks the first time Williams has originated a role in a Broadway cast, though she is no stranger to the Great White Way. Her previous credits include:

• Aida in Aida (Broadway debut)

  
  

• Roxie Hart in Chicago (Broadway, West End, and National Tour)

  
  

• Shug Avery in The Color Purple (National Tour)

  
  

• Erzulie in the revival of Once on This Island

  
  

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Production Context

The musical features a score by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey and a book by Marco Pennette. Williams stars alongside Broadway powerhouses Megan Hilty (as Madeline Ashton) and Jennifer Simard (as Helen Sharp). Together, they bring to life a darkly comedic world of betrayal, romance, and the pursuit of immortality.

"This show is iconic... It’s been so good building the show. Originating a role, you want the show to win! Everybody is doing their best and rooting for each other." — Michelle Williams