Death Becomes Her
San Francisco

Death Becomes Her Brings Broadway's Hottest New Musical to the Bay Area

Death Becomes Her burst onto the Broadway scene when it opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 21, 2024, instantly establishing itself as one of the most inventive and crowd-pleasing musicals in recent memory. Adapted from the 1992 dark comedy film that starred Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Bruce Willis, the stage version reimagines the tale of vanity, rivalry, and the perilous promise of eternal youth through a lens of spectacular live theater that simply could not exist on screen. The Broadway production featured Megan Hilty as the vain actress Madeline Ashton and Jennifer Simard as her scheming rival Helen Sharp, with Christopher Sieber as the beleaguered Ernest caught between them. Their performances earned rapturous reviews and helped propel the show to ten Tony Award nominations, cementing its status as one of the breakout hits of the Broadway season.

San Francisco has long been recognized as one of the most important cities on the national Broadway touring circuit, and the Orpheum Theatre's June 2027 engagement of Death Becomes Her continues that proud tradition. The ATG San Francisco 2026-27 season — which also features The Outsiders, Buena Vista Social Club, Operation Mincemeat, The Great Gatsby, and Maybe Happy Ending — represents one of the strongest touring lineups anywhere in the country. Death Becomes Her's nearly three-week run at the Orpheum reflects the Bay Area's deep appetite for ambitious, boundary-pushing theatrical productions, and positions San Francisco audiences to see the touring production during the summer months when the city's cultural calendar is at its most vibrant. The tour launches from Cleveland's Playhouse Square in fall 2026 and visits dozens of major markets across a planned multi-year itinerary.

The creative pedigree behind Death Becomes Her is exceptional. Director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli, who won the Tony for his choreography on Newsies, orchestrates a production that moves with breathless energy and impeccable comedic timing. Songwriters Julia Mattison and Noel Carey crafted an original score that critics have praised for its wit and melodic inventiveness, delivering numbers that land as both genuine musical theater showpieces and sharp comedic commentary. Costume designer Paul Tazewell, the celebrated Hamilton designer, earned the show's sole Tony win for his dazzling, era-spanning wardrobe that tracks the characters through decades of increasingly outlandish transformations as the consequences of their eternal youth spiral gloriously out of control.

The Orpheum Theatre itself is a character in any San Francisco theater experience. Built in 1926 by architect B. Marcus Priteca for the Pantages theater circuit, the venue's soaring French cathedral-inspired interior features ornate plasterwork, dramatic arches, and a grandeur that transports audiences the moment they walk through the doors. The 1998 renovation brought the technical capabilities up to modern Broadway touring standards while carefully preserving the historic architectural details that make the Orpheum one of the most beautiful theaters on the West Coast. For a production as visually ambitious as Death Becomes Her, the combination of cutting-edge stage technology within a historic architectural masterpiece creates an experience that is uniquely compelling and impossible to replicate in any other format.

The Orpheum's Civic Center location puts it at the cultural heart of San Francisco, steps from City Hall, the Asian Art Museum, and the San Francisco Public Library. The nearby Hayes Valley neighborhood has blossomed into one of the city's premier dining and boutique shopping destinations, offering everything from farm-to-table restaurants to craft cocktail bars within an easy walk of the theater. BART's Civic Center station is just a block away, making the Orpheum accessible from across the Bay Area without the hassle of driving or parking, and Muni streetcar lines stop directly on Market Street at the theater's front door.

How to Buy Death Becomes Her San Francisco Tickets

Where can I buy tickets for Death Becomes Her at the Orpheum Theatre?

Tickets may be available through the ATG San Francisco website (formerly BroadwaySF) and the Orpheum Theatre box office. Season subscribers typically receive priority access before individual tickets go on sale to the general public. The official Death Becomes Her website also links to authorized primary sellers for 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 in the ticket resale industry.

What is the performance schedule for Death Becomes Her in San Francisco?

Death Becomes Her is scheduled at the Orpheum Theatre from June 9 through June 26, 2027. The engagement spans nearly three weeks with performances typically scheduled on Tuesday through Sunday evenings and matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Visit the ATG San Francisco website for the complete performance calendar with confirmed curtain times as the engagement date approaches.

How do I get to the Orpheum Theatre?

The Orpheum Theatre is located at 1192 Market Street in San Francisco's Civic Center district. BART's Civic Center station is one block away, and several Muni bus and streetcar lines stop directly on Market Street near the theater entrance. For those driving, nearby parking garages include the Civic Center Garage and several private lots within a few blocks. Rideshare drop-off is available along Market Street and nearby side streets for convenient arrival.

Are resale tickets from BigStub legitimate?

Yes, BigStub is a trusted and established ticket resale marketplace that verifies every seller on its platform. Each purchase is backed by a buyer guarantee ensuring ticket authenticity and timely delivery, with dedicated customer service available to assist with any questions. BigStub holds the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry and has served theatergoers and event fans reliably for over two decades.

Can I resell my tickets if I cannot attend?

If your plans change and you are unable to make your scheduled performance, resale platforms offer the flexibility to list your tickets for other interested buyers. This allows you to recover your investment while giving another theater enthusiast the chance to see the show. Check the terms of your original purchase for any specific policies regarding ticket transfers or resale.

Death Becomes Her San Francisco: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plot of Death Becomes Her?

The musical follows Madeline Ashton, a fading Hollywood actress, and Helen Sharp, her lifelong rival, as their bitter competition over beauty and a man named Ernest Menville leads them to a mysterious potion that grants eternal youth. The consequences are wildly outrageous, darkly funny, and spectacularly staged with theatrical effects that audiences describe as jaw-dropping.

How long is the Death Becomes Her musical?

Performances run approximately two hours and fifteen minutes including one intermission. The Orpheum Theatre recommends arriving at least fifteen minutes before curtain to allow time for seating and to enjoy the venue's stunning historic interior.

Is Death Becomes Her family-friendly?

The show is generally recommended for audiences ages twelve and older. It features adult humor, comedic depictions of physical transformation, and some mature themes. Parental discretion is advised for younger viewers.

Who wrote the songs for Death Becomes Her?

The original score was written by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey. The book is by Marco Pennette, adapted from the original film. Direction and choreography are by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli, known for his acclaimed work on Newsies.

How many Tony Awards did Death Becomes Her win?

The production received ten Tony Award nominations in its debut season and won one award for Best Costume Design, honoring Paul Tazewell's extraordinary wardrobe creations that track the characters through decades of increasingly outlandish transformations.

When does Death Becomes Her play in San Francisco?

The touring production is scheduled at the Orpheum Theatre from June 9 through June 26, 2027. The nearly three-week engagement includes multiple evening and matinee performances across the run.

What is the Orpheum Theatre's seating capacity?

The Orpheum Theatre seats approximately 2,200 guests across orchestra and balcony levels. The historic venue offers excellent sightlines throughout the house thanks to its intimate horseshoe-shaped design.

How do I reach the Orpheum Theatre by public transit?

The Orpheum is one of the most transit-accessible theaters in the country. BART's Civic Center station is one block away, and Muni streetcar lines run directly along Market Street past the theater entrance. Multiple bus lines also serve the Civic Center district.

What dining options are near the Orpheum Theatre?

The nearby Hayes Valley neighborhood is one of San Francisco's top dining destinations, featuring a wide range of restaurants from farm-to-table cuisine to international fare. The Civic Center area also offers numerous cafes and bars within walking distance of the theater for pre-show and post-show dining.

What is the ATG San Francisco Broadway season?

ATG San Francisco, formerly known as BroadwaySF, presents a curated season of touring Broadway productions at the Orpheum Theatre each year. The 2026-27 season features Death Becomes Her alongside other major titles including Wicked, The Great Gatsby, Operation Mincemeat, and Maybe Happy Ending.

Does BigStub offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, every purchase on BigStub is backed by a comprehensive buyer guarantee. If there is any issue with your tickets, BigStub's dedicated customer service team will work to resolve it, including providing replacement tickets or a full refund as needed.

What should I wear to a Broadway show at the Orpheum?

There is no strict dress code for Broadway shows at the Orpheum Theatre. Audiences typically dress in smart casual to business casual attire, though some theatergoers enjoy dressing up for the occasion. Comfortable clothing that suits an evening out is always appropriate.