Death Becomes Her
Durham

Death Becomes Her — From Cult Film to Broadway Phenomenon

The 1992 film Death Becomes Her, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis, became a cult classic celebrated for its dark humor and groundbreaking visual effects that won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. More than three decades later, the story has been reimagined as a Broadway musical that captures the film's wicked spirit while charting its own theatrical path. With a book by Marco Pennette, original songs by the songwriting team of Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, and direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli, the stage version debuted at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway on November 21, 2024, and immediately established itself as one of the hottest tickets in New York.

The musical earned ten Tony Award nominations in its debut season, including Best Musical, and took home the prize for Best Costume Design — a fitting honor for a show whose visual inventiveness is central to its appeal. The production is celebrated for its extraordinary practical stage effects, which recreate the film's most iconic body-horror comedy moments using theatrical illusions rather than digital trickery. Heads twist backward, bodies contort in impossible ways, and the laws of physics bend to hilarious effect, all executed live on stage in a manner that has left audiences gasping and laughing in equal measure. Costume designer Paul Tazewell, who also designed the costumes for Hamilton, earned his Tony for creating looks that are simultaneously glamorous and grotesque, capturing the story's satirical take on Hollywood vanity and the desperate pursuit of eternal youth.

The national tour, which launches from Playhouse Square in Cleveland in fall 2026, will bring this theatrical spectacle to audiences across the country over multiple years. Durham's DPAC engagement in November 2026 places it among the very first cities on the tour itinerary, giving Triangle audiences a rare early look at a production that will eventually play in dozens of markets. Tour casting will feature performers handpicked to deliver the demanding vocal, comedic, and physical requirements of roles that were originated on Broadway by Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, and Christopher Sieber — performers whose work earned widespread critical acclaim and helped the show become the must-see event of the 2024-2025 Broadway season.

The Durham Performing Arts Center, which opened in 2008, has rapidly established itself as one of the most successful touring Broadway venues in the entire United States, consistently ranking among the top five most-attended theaters in the country. Its 2,712-seat auditorium offers excellent acoustics and sightlines across three seating levels, and its downtown Durham location at 123 Vivian Street puts it at the center of a revitalized entertainment corridor anchored by the American Tobacco Campus. For Triangle residents who follow Broadway from a distance, DPAC provides a world-class theatrical experience without the expense and logistics of traveling to New York — and Death Becomes Her, with its elaborate staging and show-stopping effects, is exactly the kind of production that benefits from being seen in a top-tier venue like this one. From the orchestra-level seats to the grand tier and balcony, every angle in the house provides a clear view of the stage illusions and physical comedy that have made this show a Broadway sensation.

How to Buy Death Becomes Her Durham Tickets

Where can I buy Death Becomes Her tickets for the Durham engagement?

Tickets may be available through the DPAC box office and authorized primary sellers such as Ticketmaster. You can also check the official Death Becomes Her tour website for links to primary outlets in each tour city. Verified resale tickets are available on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee backed by over twenty years of experience.

When does Death Becomes Her play at DPAC?

Death Becomes Her is scheduled for eight performances at Durham Performing Arts Center from November 10 through November 15, 2026. The run includes both evening and matinee performances, giving audiences across the Triangle flexibility in choosing a showtime that fits their schedule.

What should I know about DPAC before attending?

The Durham Performing Arts Center is located at 123 Vivian Street in downtown Durham, just off the Durham Freeway at Exits 12B or 13. The theater seats 2,712 across orchestra, grand tier, and balcony levels. Parking is available in several lots and garages nearby, including the DPAC parking deck. The venue is ADA accessible with elevator access to all levels and assisted listening devices available upon request.

Are resale tickets for Death Becomes Her legitimate?

Yes, purchasing through a reputable resale marketplace like BigStub ensures your tickets are verified and protected by a buyer guarantee. BigStub has maintained the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry for over two decades, with transparent pricing and a dedicated customer service team to assist with any questions.

Can I resell my Death Becomes Her tickets if my plans change?

If you are unable to attend, resale marketplaces offer options for listing your tickets so other fans can purchase them. Check the resale policies of the platform where you made your original purchase, and list your seats as early as possible to maximize your chances of finding a buyer before the performance date.

Death Becomes Her Durham — Frequently Asked Questions

What is Death Becomes Her the musical?

Death Becomes Her is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy based on the 1992 film starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis. The stage version features a book by Marco Pennette, original songs by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, and direction and choreography by Christopher Gattelli. It tells the story of two rival women who discover a potion granting eternal youth — with hilariously disastrous consequences.

How many Tony Awards did Death Becomes Her win?

Death Becomes Her received ten Tony Award nominations in its debut season and won the Tony Award for Best Costume Design, honoring Paul Tazewell's work on the production's elaborate and inventive costumes.

Who is in the touring cast of Death Becomes Her?

Tour casting has not yet been announced as of early 2026. The Broadway production was originated by Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, and Christopher Sieber. The touring company will feature performers selected to bring the same vocal, comedic, and physical demands of these roles to audiences across the country.

Is Death Becomes Her appropriate for children?

The show is not recommended for anyone under the age of twelve. It contains dark humor, comedic depictions of physical transformation, and mature themes related to vanity and mortality that are best suited for older teens and adults.

What makes the stage effects in Death Becomes Her special?

The production is celebrated for its jaw-dropping practical stage effects that recreate the film's most iconic body-horror comedy moments using theatrical illusions rather than digital technology. Audiences see heads twist, bodies contort, and physical laws bend — all performed live on stage in a way that has become a signature element of the show.

What is DPAC?

The Durham Performing Arts Center, commonly known as DPAC, is a 2,712-seat performing arts venue located at 123 Vivian Street in downtown Durham, North Carolina. Since opening in 2008, it has consistently ranked among the top five most-attended theaters in the United States and hosts a full season of touring Broadway productions as part of its Broadway at DPAC series.

Where can I park for a show at DPAC?

Parking is available in the DPAC parking deck and several nearby surface lots and garages in downtown Durham. The venue is accessible from the Durham Freeway at Exits 12B and 13. Arriving thirty to forty-five minutes before curtain is recommended to allow time for parking and entry.

Is Death Becomes Her part of the Broadway at DPAC season?

Yes, Death Becomes Her is a featured title in DPAC's 2026-2027 Broadway season. The season lineup includes several other major touring Broadway productions throughout the year.

What is the running time of Death Becomes Her?

The Broadway production runs approximately two hours and fifteen minutes, including one intermission. The touring production is expected to follow a similar schedule, though exact running times may vary slightly.

Are there restaurants near DPAC?

DPAC's downtown Durham location puts it within walking distance of numerous dining options, particularly along the American Tobacco Campus, which offers a variety of restaurants and bars in a historic renovated warehouse setting just steps from the theater. The surrounding downtown area also features a growing selection of independent restaurants and eateries.

How does BigStub's buyer guarantee work?

BigStub guarantees that every ticket purchased through its marketplace is verified, authentic, and delivered in time for the event. If any issue arises with your order, BigStub's dedicated customer service team will work to resolve it or provide a full refund. The company has maintained the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry for over twenty years.

How many Death Becomes Her performances are scheduled at DPAC?

The Durham engagement includes eight performances at DPAC from November 10 through November 15, 2026, with a mix of evening and matinee showtimes available during the six-day run.