Kristin Chenoweth delivers a captivating performance of “This Time Next Year” in the Broadway musical The Queen of Versailles, directed by Michael Arden. Currently showcasing at the St. James Theatre, the production also features Academy Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham. The poignant moment captured in the video reveals Jackie, the central character, wrestling with the emptiness that often accompanies the achievement of one’s desires, beginning with a heartfelt monologue directed at her social media followers before transitioning into the emotionally charged song crafted by Stephen Schwartz.
Joining Chenoweth and Abraham on stage is a talented ensemble cast including Melody Butiu as Sofia, Stephen DeRosa as John, and Greg Hildreth as Gary, among others. The production’s company comprises a mix of established performers and promising talent, ensuring a dynamic theatrical experience.
The narrative of The Queen of Versailles is inspired by the life of Jackie Siegel, who sees herself as a symbol of the American Dream. As the wife of “Timeshare King” David Siegel and mother to their eight children, Jackie embarks on an ambitious project to construct the largest private residence in the United States, a $100 million mansion modeled after the Palace of Versailles. However, the onset of the Great Recession in 2008 threatens to dismantle their extravagant lifestyle and dreams. The show delves into the realities of fame and fortune, alongside a family’s relentless pursuit of success and the true meaning of happiness.
Before hitting Broadway, The Queen of Versailles achieved remarkable success with a record-breaking world premiere at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre in the summer of 2024, signaling a promising reception ahead for its New York run. This production, grounded in reality yet resonating with universal themes, invites audiences to reflect on the price of ambition and the true essence of fulfillment in life.