Goldie Hawn, the iconic Hollywood actress, recently surprised the cast of the Broadway musical “Death Becomes Her” with her approval of the revamped ending. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, star Jennifer Simard shared insights into Hawn’s visit and positive reaction to the musical’s reimagined finale, which she reportedly preferred over the original film’s ending.
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The musical adaptation of “Death Becomes Her” combines the dark comedy elements of the 1992 movie with a never-before-seen alternate ending, which Hawn personally praised. Simard reminisced about meeting Hawn backstage in February, where the Oscar winner, accompanied by her partner Kurt Russell and son Wyatt Russell, expressed her admiration for the show and engaged in meaningful conversations with the cast, offering her valuable insights and opinions.
Having portrayed Hawn’s character in the musical alongside co-stars Megan Hilty and Christopher Sieber, Simard highlighted her admiration for Hawn’s legendary career and expressed her delight at having the opportunity to entertain the actress who has brought so much joy to audiences over the years. During their private conversation, Hawn reportedly shared kind words with Simard, acknowledging her performance in the show.
The original film version of “Death Becomes Her” concluded with a darkly comedic twist where the main characters, played by Hawn and Meryl Streep, face the consequences of their pursuit of eternal youth. However, Hawn revealed that the film initially had a more poignant and serious ending that was ultimately changed to better suit the movie’s tone. The Broadway production, with its modified ending, struck a balance between the two versions, resonating with Hawn’s preferences.
Simard emphasised the collaborative effort behind adapting existing material for the stage, noting the creative liberties taken by the team to honour the original while bringing their unique interpretation to the production. The actress commended the creative team for seamlessly blending the two endings from the film, a choice that resonated with Hawn and validated their creative vision for the musical.
Hawn’s visit to the Broadway show not only highlighted her appreciation for the reinterpretation of the classic film but also symbolised the enduring impact of her work on subsequent generations of performers and audiences. Simard’s reflections on meeting Hawn and receiving her endorsement serve as a testament to the power of storytelling and the transformative nature of live theatre.
As “Death Becomes Her” continues to captivate audiences with its fresh take on the beloved film, Hawn’s endorsement underscores the importance of adaptation and innovation in keeping timeless stories alive on stage. The positive reception from a Hollywood legend like Hawn further solidifies the musical’s place in the theatre landscape and reinforces the magic of live performance in connecting artists and audiences across generations.
In a world where entertainment constantly evolves, the enduring appeal of iconic stories like “Death Becomes Her” finds new life on Broadway, bridging the gap between past and present audiences. As theatre continues to thrive as a medium for creative expression and cultural reflection, Hawn’s embrace of the musical adaptation serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in the performing arts landscape.