Death Becomes Her
Tempe

Death Becomes Her Tour Heads to the Desert Southwest

Death Becomes Her made its Broadway debut at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 21, 2024, and instantly became one of the most buzzed-about productions in New York. The musical reimagines the 1992 film's darkly comic exploration of vanity, jealousy, and immortality as an electrifying stage spectacle featuring original songs, razor-sharp dialogue, and practical effects so astonishing that audience members routinely describe them as the most impressive stagecraft they have ever witnessed. Megan Hilty originated the role of the narcissistic actress Madeline Ashton on Broadway, opposite Jennifer Simard as the scheming Helen Sharp and Christopher Sieber as the hapless Ernest Menville, delivering performances that earned widespread critical praise and helped propel the production to ten Tony Award nominations in its first season.

The first national tour represents a milestone for this rapidly ascendant property, carrying the full scope of the Broadway production to audiences who may not have the opportunity to travel to New York. After launching from Cleveland's Playhouse Square in fall 2026, the tour winds through dozens of cities on a planned multi-year route. ASU Gammage's August 2027 engagement arrives during a period when the tour will have found its rhythm and the production will be firing on all cylinders, giving Tempe audiences the benefit of a touring company that has been perfecting the show's demanding technical and comedic elements night after night for nearly a year on the road.

The creative team assembled for Death Becomes Her brings together some of musical theater's most accomplished artists. Director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli won the Tony Award for his choreography on Newsies and brings that same athletic, exuberant energy to a production that demands both physical comedy and precise timing. Costume designer Paul Tazewell, best known for his Tony-winning designs for Hamilton, earned the show's sole competitive Tony for costumes that are at once glamorous and grotesque, charting the characters' increasingly outlandish appearances as eternal youth takes its toll in hilariously unexpected ways. Songwriters Julia Mattison and Noel Carey deliver a score that moves deftly between heartfelt ballads and comedic showstoppers.

ASU Gammage holds a singular place in American theater architecture. Completed in 1964 as the final major commission of Frank Lloyd Wright, the building reflects Wright's organic architecture philosophy, with its sweeping horizontal lines and earthy color palette designed to echo the Sonoran Desert surrounding it. The auditorium's distinctive circular form and bermed exterior walls create a sense of emergence from the landscape itself, a design approach that was radical at the time and remains breathtaking today. Inside, the hall's excellent acoustics and wide seating configuration ensure that every one of its 3,017 seats offers a clear view of the stage, making it one of the most patron-friendly large theaters in the touring Broadway circuit.

The Desert Financial Broadway Across America-Arizona series at ASU Gammage has built one of the strongest touring Broadway subscriber bases in the western United States. The 2026-27 season pairs Death Becomes Her with an impressive roster that includes The Phantom of the Opera, Water for Elephants, The Outsiders, Operation Mincemeat, Buena Vista Social Club, BOOP! The Musical, and The Sound of Music. This depth of programming reflects the Phoenix metro area's growing reputation as a major cultural market and ensures that ASU Gammage remains the premier destination for world-class live theater in Arizona.

How to Buy Death Becomes Her Tempe Tickets

Where can I purchase Death Becomes Her tickets for the ASU Gammage engagement?

Tickets may be available through the ASU Gammage website and box office as part of the Desert Financial Broadway Across America-Arizona season. Season ticket holders typically receive first access to individual show tickets before public on-sale dates. You can also visit the official Death Becomes Her website for links to authorized primary sellers for all tour dates. For verified resale options, BigStub offers a trusted marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee backed by more than twenty years of experience in the ticket resale industry.

What is the performance schedule for Death Becomes Her in Tempe?

Death Becomes Her is scheduled at ASU Gammage from August 24 through August 29, 2027, with eight performances across the week-long engagement. The schedule typically includes evening performances Tuesday through Saturday and matinee showtimes on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Check the ASU Gammage website for the confirmed performance calendar with exact curtain times as the engagement date draws closer.

What should I know about visiting ASU Gammage?

ASU Gammage is located at 1200 South Forest Avenue on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe. The venue offers 3,017 seats across orchestra, loge, and balcony levels with excellent sightlines throughout. Parking is available in university lots directly adjacent to the auditorium, and the venue is easily reached from the Loop 101, Loop 202, and Interstate 10. Doors typically open thirty minutes before curtain, and the lobby offers concessions during intermission. Given the August dates, the venue is fully air-conditioned for comfort during the Arizona summer.

Are resale tickets through BigStub safe and reliable?

Yes, BigStub is an established and trusted ticket resale marketplace that verifies every seller on its platform. Every purchase comes with a buyer guarantee ensuring your tickets are authentic and delivered on time, with dedicated customer service available to assist with any concerns. BigStub holds the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry and has reliably served event fans for over two decades.

What happens if I can no longer attend my performance?

If your plans change, resale marketplaces offer the flexibility to list your tickets for other buyers. This lets you recover your investment while giving another fan the opportunity to enjoy the show. Review the terms of your original ticket purchase for any specific restrictions or policies that may apply to resale transactions.

Death Becomes Her Tempe: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Death Becomes Her?

Death Becomes Her is a musical comedy about two fiercely competitive women, Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp, whose obsessive rivalry over beauty and a man drives them to drink a mysterious potion that promises eternal youth. The consequences are spectacularly outrageous and darkly hilarious, brought to life through groundbreaking theatrical effects and an infectious original score.

How long is a performance of Death Becomes Her?

The show runs approximately two hours and fifteen minutes with one intermission. ASU Gammage recommends arriving at least fifteen to twenty minutes before curtain time to allow for parking, entering the venue, and finding your seats.

Is Death Becomes Her appropriate for all ages?

The production is generally recommended for audiences ages twelve and older. It contains adult humor, comedic depictions of physical transformations, and some mature themes. Parents should use their own discretion when deciding whether the show is suitable for younger children.

Who designed the costumes for Death Becomes Her?

Paul Tazewell, the celebrated costume designer known for his Tony-winning work on Hamilton, designed the costumes for Death Becomes Her and won the Tony Award for Best Costume Design. His creations chart the characters through decades of increasingly extravagant and outlandish looks.

How many Tony nominations did Death Becomes Her receive?

The production earned ten Tony Award nominations in its inaugural Broadway season, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. It won one Tony for Best Costume Design.

When does Death Becomes Her play at ASU Gammage?

The touring production is scheduled at ASU Gammage from August 24 through August 29, 2027, with eight performances including evening and matinee showtimes across the engagement.

Who designed ASU Gammage?

ASU Gammage was designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1964. It was the last major public building Wright designed, and its distinctive circular form and desert-inspired aesthetic make it one of the most architecturally significant performance venues in the United States.

How many seats does ASU Gammage have?

ASU Gammage seats 3,017 guests across orchestra, loge, and balcony levels. The wide seating configuration and excellent acoustics ensure clear sightlines and sound quality from every section of the auditorium.

Where can I park for events at ASU Gammage?

Parking is available in Arizona State University lots directly adjacent to the auditorium. The venue is easily accessible from the Loop 101, Loop 202, and Interstate 10. Arriving thirty to forty-five minutes early is recommended to allow time for parking and walking to the entrance.

What restaurants are near ASU Gammage?

The Mill Avenue district in downtown Tempe is a short walk from ASU Gammage and offers a wide range of dining options including casual eateries, upscale restaurants, craft breweries, and coffee shops. The area is a popular destination for pre-show and post-show dining among theatergoers.

Does BigStub guarantee ticket authenticity?

Yes, BigStub verifies every seller on its platform and backs each purchase with a comprehensive buyer guarantee. If any issue arises with your tickets, their dedicated customer service team will work to resolve it, including providing replacement tickets or issuing a full refund as needed.

What other shows are in the ASU Gammage 2026-27 Broadway season?

The Desert Financial Broadway Across America-Arizona 2026-27 season includes Death Becomes Her alongside The Phantom of the Opera, Water for Elephants, The Outsiders, Operation Mincemeat, Buena Vista Social Club, BOOP! The Musical, and The Sound of Music, with additional options including The Grinch and Beetlejuice.