**Ken Marino to Star in North American Tour of ‘Death Becomes Her’ Musical**
Actor Ken Marino, known for his roles in television series like *Party Down* and *The Other Two*, is set to make his stage musical debut in the upcoming North American tour of *Death Becomes Her*. The announcement was made exclusively to PEOPLE and reveals that Marino will portray Ernest Menville, joining a talented cast that features Broadway veterans such as Jackie Burns, Kristen Beth Williams, and Nasia Thomas.
The new production will officially open on September 12 at Playhouse Square in Cleveland and will embark on a nationwide tour that is scheduled to extend until 2027. Major cities on the itinerary include Columbus, St. Louis, Nashville, Boston, Detroit, Houston, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, among others.
*Death Becomes Her* is adapted from the acclaimed 1992 film that starred Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Isabella Rossellini. The stage musical reflects the film’s story of two rival actresses, Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp, whose heated feud intensifies after they discover a mysterious potion that promises eternal youth. The production features a book by Marco Pennette, and a score crafted by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, with choreography and direction by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli.
Joining Marino as Madeline Ashton will be Jackie Burns, known for being Broadway’s longest-running Elphaba in *Wicked*, while Kristen Beth Williams will take on the role of Helen Sharp. The tour’s first year cast will also include Nasia Thomas as Viola Van Horn, Louis A. Williams Jr. as Chagall, and Michael Buchanan as Stefan. The ensemble will feature talents such as Calvin Cooper, Nick Cortazzo, and Tiki Hopson, among others.
The anticipation surrounding the musical has been palpable, with producer Lowe Cunningham from Universal Theatrical Group expressing enthusiasm about bringing this adaptation to life. “It has been such a joy bringing *Death Becomes Her* to life on stage,” he stated. “We are excited to share this musical and entertain audiences with laughter across the country for years to come.”
Marino, who has enjoyed a successful career spanning film and television, is no stranger to performance; however, this will be his initial foray into the realm of stage musicals. He is a founding member of the sketch comedy group, The State, and has held various roles behind the camera as a writer, director, and producer. Although this will be his first experience headlining a musical, Marino previously took part in the national tour of *A Few Good Men* back in 1992.
Jackie Burns has recently made waves in the theatre scene, having led world premieres in the UK and holding significant roles in productions like *If/Then*, *Hair*, and *Rock of Ages*. Her film and television credits further demonstrate her versatility as an artist.
Kristen Beth Williams boasts an impressive Broadway portfolio, having participated in productions like *Hello, Dolly!*, *Pippin*, and the original casts of *Paradise Square* and *Anything Goes*. She also played Sibella Hallward in the national tour of *A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder* and shone brightly as Dale Tremont in London’s *Top Hat*.
Similarly, Nasia Thomas made her Broadway debut in *Beautiful: The Carole King Musical* and has recently gained attention for her role as a standby in the 2025 Broadway revival of *The Last Five Years*. Her appearances in notable productions such as *SIX: The Musical* and *Ain’t Too Proud* demonstrate her expanding influence in the theatre world.
Following a successful pre-Broadway run in Chicago, *Death Becomes Her* made its Broadway debut in November 2024. The show received nominations for ten Tony Awards and even earned a Grammy nomination for its original cast recording. It became a cultural phenomenon, especially on platforms like TikTok, further solidifying its popularity.
As the upcoming tour promises to bring laughter and entertainment, audiences can eagerly await its arrival in major cities across North America. For all details, including a full list of tour dates and ticket information, visit the official website at DeathBecomesHer.com.