Death Becomes Her's divas have a message 'For the Gaze'

Death Becomes Her's divas will do anything "For the Gaze," as evidenced in the exclusive track below from the new Broadway musical.

The song, performed by Hilty and the cast, pays tribute to the queer fanbase that helped turn the 1992 film starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Isabella Rossellini into a camp classic.

In this stage adaptation, Hilty steps into the heels of the role originated by Streep, Madeline Ashton, an acting diva who seeks eternal youth alongside frenemy Helen Sharp. "It is a massive responsibility and one that I do not take lightly!" Hilty says of giving life to Madeline. "I hope our audience feels my reverence for Meryl Streep’s iconic performance, but can also appreciate my new take on this deliciously fabulous diva."

Jennifer Simard, who plays Helen, and Michelle Williams, who portrays the youth-potion-offering socialite Viola Van Horn (inspired by Rossellini's Lisle Von Rhuman), are also thrilled to be bringing these iconic characters to Broadway.

"I am so in love with this character and feel the love from the community every single night I take the stage," Williams says. "So many people come dressed up night after night in their favorite Death Becomes Her character and are in the audience just living, and we feel the energy on stage! I just want to continue doing great work that inspires others and give them cause to feel powerful, limitless, and free."

Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard in the 'Death Becomes Her' musical poster.Franz Szony

The actresses are also honored to be considered gay icons in their own right. "I first knew I’d made it when a drag queen performed 'Never Can Say Goodbye' as me, at karaoke," Simard shares. "Since then, it is a mantle I have taken very seriously and whether it’s singing that song, or 'Toxic,' or any number of the songs from Death Becomes Her, please tag me in all of your drag show karaoke videos, I beg of you."

"If a person is loved by the community, you’re doing something right, honey!" Williams says. "What a privilege and an honor to be celebrated by a group of incredible humans who are bold and fight every day to simply and joyously be themselves. I am all in."

"I’ve always loved and supported the LGBTQ+ community, so it means the world to me to feel that love and support right back," Hilty says.

"Now more than ever, I personally hope to be a safe harbor for the LGBTQ+ community," Simard adds, "and I hope our show in particular can distract everyone from their innermost problems for two and a half glorious hours each night."

Listen to "For the Gaze" below. And don't miss Death Becomes Her, which is now in previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.