Megan Hilty Taking a Vocal Break from Death Becomes Her
Kevin, June 12th, 2025The Tony-nominated star steps away temporarily to heal - but Madeline Ashton’s heels won’t be empty for long
Broadway darling Megan Hilty is hitting pause on her run in Death Becomes Her - but don't worry, she'll be back!
The star, who's been slaying (and sashaying) as the glamorously undead Madeline Ashton since October, announced on Instagram June 11 that she'll be stepping away from the production for three to four weeks to recover from a vocal injury. In the meantime, the role will be in the sky-high stiletto of standby Dee Roscioli and understudies Kaleigh Cronin and Natalie Charle Ellis.
In a New York Times interview, Hilty shared that she's been diagnosed with vocal cord tendinitis, brought on by the intense neck choreography required for the role. "It pulls on my voice box," she said, "and I ultimately have to call out of the show if it's affecting my voice and it's too painful."
About Death Becomes Her
Death Becomes Her is currently playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where it opened November 21, 2024, and quickly cemented itself as one of the most fabulous nights out on Broadway. With 10 Tony nominations under its belt (including one for Hilty) and a win for Paul Tazewell's jaw-dropping costume design, the musical reimagines the cult-classic 1992 dark comedy with camp, chaos, and killer vocals.
Hilty stars opposite Jennifer Simard, playing two rival divas who chase eternal youth via a suspiciously magical potion - one with side effects that are as outrageous as they are glamorous. Christopher Sieber and Michelle Williams round out the principal cast, with Taurean Everett, Josh Lamon, and a glittering ensemble.
