EDGE Interview: Megan Hilty – Stardom Becomes Her

EDGE: What was your first exposure to "Death Becomes Her?"

Megan Hilty: I think it must have been when I was a kid. I saw it so long ago, and it became one of my absolute favorite movies, and it still is today.

EDGE: Are there challenges of playing a character from a film that has a cult following?

Megan Hilty: And has been played by the greatest actress of all time. No big deal, right? If you look at it that way, it can be extremely daunting. Fortunately, most of my career has been spent playing characters that others have already made iconic. I've come to terms with finding that balance of paying homage to what has been so expertly done before me and then filling the rest with what I can bring to the role. I'm not Meryl Streep. Oh my God, who do I think I am playing the role that she created? I'm also not playing Meryl Streep. I'm playing Madeline Ashton. In doing this, I know that there is a very high bar set. So, I try to go for an essence of what's been done before because I am not a mimic, and I should not try. There are several thoughts where I'm shooting for the essence at least, and then the rest is just me.

EDGE: Did you look at Meryl Streep's portrayal of Madeline for some inspiration?

Megan Hilty: Oh, of course. I'd be a fool not to because, honestly, this film is so iconic. There will be a lot of people coming in with certain expectations. And while, like I said, I'm not doing her performance, I hope that I'm capturing somewhat of the essence that she played.

EDGE: What makes the musical different from the movie?

Megan Hilty: Well, I think what Marco Pennett has done with this script is genius. He could have very easily taken the film script, plopped it on stage, and made a few tweaks here and there, but he didn't. He and the whole creative team have made it its own thing. People who have seen and loved the movie will be delighted by what's been done with it, and the Easter egg finds are amazing. But also, if you haven't seen the film, you will be delighted. It's an excellent story, and the music is so great. Julia Mattison and Noel Carey are about to be too famous to speak to me anymore. What they have done with this music is not only smart and hilarious but also a little naughty. The music nails the tone that the movie sets so brilliantly.

EDGE: How do you approach a character that is polar opposite of you?

Megan Hilty: It's really fun to play a character that says and does things that I would never do in real life. And, of course, everyone's entitled to their feelings about her, but I can't judge her when I play her. I don't see her as a villain. I can't. I try to approach it by asking why she does these things. Where does that come from? I try to look at it that way instead of putting judgment or labels on her.

EDGE: Do you have a favorite musical number?

Megan Hilty: They're all my favorites for different reasons, but my first number is probably the most fun I've ever had on stage in a musical. I don't want to give anything away, but the show is full of surprises.

EDGE: We all love a star-studded cast – what is it like to work with Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Michelle Willams?

Megan Hilty: I feel so lucky to be surrounded by the best in the business. Jennifer Smart is a comedic genius, as is Christopher Seber. And hello, I get to be sung to by Michelle Williams every night. It's the most amazing thing. And this ensemble is one of the most incredibly talented and gorgeous ensembles you could ever imagine.

EDGE: We would all love to find the potion for eternal youth, but if given the chance, would you drink it?

Megan Hilty: No way. It's funny; this musical has pushed me in the opposite direction because I'm no stranger to Botox and filler. For the last year, I thought I didn't want to torture myself anymore. I'm just going to take a break from all of it.

Megan Hilty stars in "Death Becomes Her" at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 45th Street, New York City, New York. For more information, visit the show's website.