The highly anticipated new musical, “The Queen of Versailles,” which features the talented Kristin Chenoweth, officially premiered on November 9 at the St. James Theatre. This production showcases the collaborative work of renowned composer Stephen Schwartz, known for his hit “Wicked.”
In “The Queen of Versailles,” Chenoweth not only stars as the lead character, Jackie Siegel, but also takes on the role of co-producer. She is joined by Academy Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham, who portrays her husband, David Siegel. The story is adapted from Lauren Greenfield’s 2012 documentary and follows the Siegel family’s ambitious journey to build the largest private residence in the United States, located in Orlando, Florida. Their grand plans are put on hold due to the economic downturn that began with the 2008 recession.
Acclaimed director Michael Arden, a two-time Tony Award winner, leads the production which retains much of its cast from its pre-Broadway debut. Alongside Chenoweth and Abraham, the cast includes Melody Butiu, Stephen DeRosa, and Greg Hildreth, among others. Notably, Broadway favorite Sherie Rene Scott will also perform as Jackie Siegel on select dates.
The production’s creative team brings together a wealth of talent, including choreographers Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, music supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, and scenic design by Dane Laffrey. The visual appeal is further enhanced by costume designs from fashion designer Christian Cowan and a range of other professionals contributing to the technical aspects of the show.
“The Queen of Versailles” is officially produced by a collaboration that includes Bill Damaschke, Seaview Productions, and Chenoweth’s own Diva Worldwide Entertainment, among others. As the buzz around this musical continues to grow, theatergoers are encouraged to visit QueenOfVersaillesMusical.com for more information on performances and ticket availability.
With its blend of ambition, dreams, and eventual realities, “The Queen of Versailles” offers a poignant look at the quintessential American dream, hopeful to resonate with audiences and reflect their own aspirations and challenges.