Broadway Star Jennifer Simard Steals the Show in “Death Becomes Her”
Table of Contents
- Broadway Star Jennifer Simard Steals the Show in “Death Becomes Her”
- broadway’s “Death Becomes Her” and the Ageless Pursuit of Youth
- Broadway Star Jennifer Simard on Body Image and the Evolution of “Death Becomes Her”
- Broadway Star Katie Simard: Finding Healing through Humor
- Broadway Star Megan Simard Finds Healing in Laughter
Nearly two decades after her Broadway debut, Jennifer Simard has landed a role she calls a ”wonderful retrospective.” The two-time Tony Award nominee is captivating audiences as Helen Sharp,one half of a deliciously wicked diva duo in the new Broadway musical adaptation of “Death Becomes Her,” which opened at New York’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in November.
Simard’s performance is generating significant buzz, with critics praising her side-splitting, high-camp portrayal. The overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest a strong contender for a third Tony award nomination this spring.”When I look at the arc of Helen sharp as a character…I see similarities to myself as a human being, and I see a bit of every character I’ve been fortunate enough to play,” Simard shared in a recent interview. “it’s real ‘pinch me’ stuff. I love Helen Sharp, and I love this time I get to dance with her a bit.”
Based on the 1992 cult classic film, ”Death Becomes Her” follows the tumultuous career of Madeline Ashton (played by Megan Hilty), a fading stage actress. Desperate to revitalize her career, Madeline reconnects with a long-forgotten rival, the acerbic writer Helen Sharp (Simard), and her fiancé, the ambitious cosmetic surgeon Ernest Menville (Christopher Sieber), backstage after a performance. The ensuing chaos forms the backbone of this darkly comedic musical.
Simard’s comedic timing and stage presence are undeniable highlights of the production. Her portrayal of Helen Sharp is not only hilarious but also surprisingly nuanced, adding depth to a character that could easily have fallen into caricature. The show’s success is a testament to the strong performances of the entire cast, but Simard’s contribution is especially noteworthy.
With its blend of dark humor, memorable songs, and stellar performances, “Death Becomes Her” is proving to be a must-see Broadway show. For those seeking a night of laughter and captivating theatrics, this production is a definite recommendation. And for Jennifer Simard, it’s a career highlight that’s already generating significant awards season buzz.
broadway’s “Death Becomes Her” and the Ageless Pursuit of Youth
The darkly comedic 1992 film “Death Becomes Her” is getting a fresh, theatrical life on Broadway. This stage adaptation tackles the timeless themes of female rivalry,the pressures of aging in Hollywood,and the lengths some will go to for eternal youth. The musical, currently playing to enthusiastic audiences, offers a modern twist on the original story, captivating viewers with its updated narrative and stellar performances.
The plot centers on the intense rivalry between helen and Madeline, two women locked in a battle for the affections of the charming Ernest. as the story unfolds, Madeline, played with captivating allure, uses her charms to win Ernest’s heart, leaving Helen devastated. “Madeline,” Jennifer Simard’s powerful Act 1 showstopper, perfectly captures this emotional turmoil. Desperate, Helen seeks a solution to her woes, striking a deal with the enigmatic Viola Van Horn (Michelle Williams of Destiny’s child), who offers a potion promising eternal youth.
However, helen’s quest for eternal youth takes an unexpected turn when she discovers Madeline has also partaken in Viola’s magical elixir, ensuring their bitter rivalry continues indefinitely. This twist adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the cyclical nature of obsession and the futility of chasing unattainable ideals.
The original film, starring Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep, remains iconic for its sharp satire of Hollywood’s obsession with youth and beauty. Thirty-three years later, the themes resonate even more deeply. The film brilliantly captured the “no-win situation” many women face when it comes to aging in the public eye.
Interestingly, the enduring relevance of these themes is evident in other recent productions. The 2025 Broadway revival of “sunset Boulevard,” starring Nicole Scherzinger, and the horror film “The Substance,” featuring Demi Moore as a fading star resorting to drastic measures to maintain her youthful appearance, both explore similar anxieties surrounding aging and the relentless pursuit of beauty in the entertainment industry. These works highlight the continued cultural fascination with, and anxieties surrounding, the passage of time and the pressures faced by women in the spotlight.
Broadway Star Jennifer Simard on Body Image and the Evolution of “Death Becomes Her”
Broadway veteran Jennifer Simard, known for her role in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” is opening up about her experiences with body image pressures and the significant alterations made to the Broadway adaptation of the dark comedy, “Death Becomes Her.”
Simard, who made her broadway debut in 2007, shared her outlook on the pervasive societal narratives surrounding women’s bodies and the impact they’ve had on her career. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the phrase, ‘Wow, she’s let herself go,’ followed by, ‘Ooh, she’s had too much work done,’” she revealed. “so it’s significant for women to reject that narrative.”
The actress’s comments highlight a broader conversation about the unrealistic beauty standards frequently enough imposed on women in the entertainment industry. Her experience underscores the need for a more inclusive and accepting approach to body image, both on and off stage.
One significant departure from the original film version of “Death Becomes Her” is the removal of a scene where Goldie Hawn, in the role of Helen Sharp, wore a fat suit to portray her character at her most despondent. this decision reflects a growing awareness within the entertainment industry of the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by such depictions.
Simard, reflecting on her own journey and the evolution of the play, stated, “When I look at the arc of Helen Sharp as a character …I see similarities to myself as a human being,and I see a bit of every character I’ve been fortunate enough to play.” She further emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, adding, “My outlook on it is this: Whatever you choose to do or not to do to make yourself feel good is 100% percent your business and no one else’s.”
The updated Broadway production of ”Death Becomes Her” thus presents a more nuanced and contemporary portrayal of female characters, avoiding potentially harmful stereotypes and promoting a message of self-acceptance and body positivity. this shift reflects a broader movement within the entertainment industry to challenge traditional beauty standards and create more inclusive and representative narratives.
Simard’s candid reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against unrealistic beauty standards and the importance of celebrating individuality and self-love. Her experience resonates deeply with many women who have faced similar pressures in their own lives.
For more information on Jennifer Simard’s career and her views on body image, you can explore additional resources online. [Link to relevant articles/interviews could be added here]
Broadway Star Katie Simard: Finding Healing through Humor
Katie Simard, a rising star on the Broadway stage, is captivating audiences with her talent and her unique approach to portraying complex characters. Her current role in “Death Becomes Her” showcases not only her impressive vocal range but also her ability to infuse humor into even the most challenging situations. This approach, she says, is deeply personal.
Simard, who has openly discussed her experience with anorexia, collaborated closely with the creative team – julia Mattison, Noel Carey (composers-lyricists), and Marco Pennette (book writer) – to ensure a sensitive and body-positive portrayal of her character’s struggles. They collectively decided to revise a scene, opting for a more empowering narrative that resonated with her personal journey.
“I know what it’s like to have my heart broken.I know what it’s like to have a man stolen out from under me,” Simard shared.“I’ve always used humor to cope with my pain, and doing it onstage is no different. It helps me heal every single night.”
Her journey to Broadway began in Litchfield, New Hampshire, where a childhood encounter with “Fiddler on the Roof” at the tender age of four ignited her passion for theatre. By nine, she had secured her first professional role in “The Wizard of Oz,” solidifying her ambition for a life on stage.
Simard’s love for comedy and performance was further nurtured by watching “The Golden Girls” with her grandmother.The enduring legacy of Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White continues to inspire her, a connection she celebrates through her co-hosting duties on “The golden Girls Deep Dive Podcast” with author patrick Hinds.
Simard’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative nature of art. Her ability to blend humor and vulnerability on stage not only entertains but also offers a powerful message of hope and healing,resonating deeply with audiences across the country.
Broadway Star Megan Simard Finds Healing in Laughter
Broadway veteran Megan Simard is no stranger to the spotlight, but her recent performances have taken on a new depth. While captivating audiences with her comedic talent, Simard is also navigating personal loss, finding solace and strength in the shared laughter onstage.Her current role showcases not only her comedic prowess but also her remarkable resilience.
simard’s journey mirrors that of other celebrated performers who’ve used humor as a coping mechanism. Like Lucille Ball, Bea Arthur, and other comedic icons, Simard finds strength in laughter, transforming personal struggles into moments of shared joy with her audience. This ability to connect with audiences on such a deeply personal level is a testament to her talent and vulnerability.
Her current co-star, Jennifer Hilty, known for her captivating role as Ivy Lynn in NBC’s “Smash,” has become a vital part of Simard’s support system.”It’s so fun to stir the waves of comedy with her,” Simard shared. “We take the extra step to be there for one another.We choose every day to love one another, and that’s why we work so well onstage.”
Looking to the future, Simard expresses a desire to expand her horizons beyond the Broadway stage. She hopes to follow in the footsteps of other successful stage actors who’ve transitioned seamlessly to film and television, citing a particular interest in collaborating with Hilty again on a future screen project. “Who knows,” she mused,”maybe there can be ‘The Megan and Jennifer Show.’ These kinds of gems don’t come along very frequently enough.”
From Stage to Screen: Simard’s Ambitions
Simard’s ambition to transition to film and television reflects a growing trend among Broadway stars seeking diverse acting opportunities.Her talent and dedication, coupled with her unique ability to connect with audiences, position her for success in this new chapter of her career. The potential for a “Megan and Jennifer Show” highlights the strong bond and creative synergy between these two talented actresses, promising exciting possibilities for future collaborations.
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For Jennifer Simard: “Jennifer Simard on ’Death Becomes Her’: Embracing Self-Acceptance Onstage and Off”
For Katie Simard: “Katie Simard: Finding Healing Through Humor in ‘Death Becomes Her'”
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Critical Reception: Briefly mention how their performances in “Death Becomes Her” have been received by critics and audiences.
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By refining the structure,incorporating more compelling content,and adding dynamic visuals,you can create two powerful and inspiring articles that celebrate the talents and perspectives of Jennifer Simard and Katie Simard.
