Rehearsals are underway for The Queen of Versailles, a new Broadway-bound musical with music by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Lindsey Ferrentino. The production will begin previews on October 8, with the official opening night set for November 9. The show is an adaptation of the 2012 documentary of the same name and follows Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel, a socialite whose family aimed to build the largest private home in the United States, a plan upended by the 2008 financial crisis.
Kristin Chenoweth stars as Jackie Siegel and also serves as a producer, with F. Murray Abraham portraying David Siegel. The Boston premiere at Emerson Colonial Theatre last year was directed by Michael Arden, a two-time Tony Award winner. The current Broadway-bound company includes Melody Butiu as Sofia, Stephen DeRosa as John, Greg Hildreth as Gary, Tatum Grace Hopkins as Jonquil, Isabel Keating as Debbie, Nina White as Victoria, and Sherie Rene Scott in the Jackie standby role. The ensemble also features Yeman Brown, David Aron Damane, Drew Elhamalawy, Christopher Gurr, KJ Hippensteel, Cassondra James, Andrew Kober, Jesse Kovarsky, Pablo David Laucerica, Travis Murad Leland, Ryah Nixon, Shea Renne, Michael McCorry Rose, Grace Slear, Anne Fraser Thomas, and Jake Bentley Young. Casting is by Stephen Kopel and Carrie Gardner of C12 Casting.
Noteable context: The project brings together a renowned Broadway team and star power, with Schwartz’s music and Ferrentino’s book anchored by Chenoweth’s high-profile return to the spotlight, following the documentary-driven premise of the Siegels’ home-building saga during an era of economic upheaval.
Summary: The Queen of Versailles is moving from its Boston premiere to Broadway, with rehearsals in progress, previews beginning October 8, and opening night scheduled for November 9, led by a star-studded cast and creative team. It presents a contemporary, real-life story adapted for the stage, aiming to blend musical storytelling with a dramatic retelling of a famous American family and their ambitions.
Positive note: The collaboration of Stephen Schwartz and Lindsey Ferrentino, combined with Kristin Chenoweth’s involvement, signals a high-energy, star-powered Broadway event with the potential to bring a fresh, timely musical treatment to a well-known documentary tale.