Kristin Chenoweth to Reign as THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES on Broadway

The original 2012 documentary by Lauren Greenfield detailed the Siegel family’s attempt to construct a Florida mansion modelled on the Palace of Versailles—a venture that, like much of America at the time, was sharply impacted by the 2008 recession. Fast-forward to the present day, and that rollercoaster tale of ambition, wealth, and hubris has been transposed into a musical by Stephen Schwartz and Lindsey Ferrentino. Their stage adaptation, also titled THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES, will set up court at the St. James Theatre on Broadway, with previews from 8 October and a grand opening on 10 November.

In the role of Jackie Siegel—the “queen” at the centre of this lavish saga—is the inimitable Kristin Chenoweth, a Broadway icon whom we all fell in love with as Glinda in WICKED. Not only is Chenoweth headlining the show, but she’s producing it under her Diva Worldwide Entertainment banner, proving once again that her talents aren’t confined to the stage. Meanwhile, Jackie’s husband, David Siegel, is played by none other than F. Murray Abraham, whose film and theatre pedigree (including an Academy Award for AMADEUS) adds an extra layer of gravitas to this improbable rags-to-riches-to-rags story.

The production isn’t just boasting big names in the cast; the creative muscle behind the scenes is equally impressive. Veteran Tony-winning scenic designer Dane Laffrey returns to conjure up the grandeur (and possible gaudiness) of America’s would-be Versailles. Christian Cowan, known for his bold fashion statements, is at the helm of costume design, ensuring the audience experiences the over-the-top glamour. Lighting whiz Natasha Katz, who has a string of Tony Awards in her collection, will illuminate the show’s many moods, while Peter Hylenski oversees sound design, guaranteeing we hear every witty lyric and majestic musical flourish. Tying all these elements together is director Michael Arden, who guided the piece through its world premiere in Boston last year. With so many heavy hitters on board, the production has all the ingredients to make a seismic splash on Broadway.

What to Expect From This Show

Despite its glitzy facade, THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES is more than just a tale of super-sized mansions and lavish lifestyles. At its heart, it’s a story about American aspirations: the pursuit of success, the temptations of materialism, and the humbling consequences when circumstances—economic or otherwise—veer off course. There’s no small irony in presenting such a narrative on a Broadway stage, a place known for its sparkle and spectacle. Yet musicals have long tackled big issues under the glow of stage lights, and THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES aims to continue that tradition.

For theatre fans who enjoy data points, consider this: the Boston try-out of the show garnered attention not only from critics but also from industry insiders. Early reports suggested the piece spoke to a wide audience, from those who crave luxurious escapism to those seeking introspective commentary on modern society. If you’re into musicals that spark conversation—like HAMILTON did for American history or DEAR EVAN HANSEN did for social media-age empathy—this production could be your next talking point.

Another reason to snag a seat: we’re witnessing a glorious reunion between Stephen Schwartz and Kristin Chenoweth, who first collaborated on WICKED. They redefined what a 21st-century musical could achieve, both commercially and artistically, and fans have been clamouring for their reunion ever since. Schwartz’s knack for crafting soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics paired with Chenoweth’s comedic timing, star power, and crystalline voice is as tantalising a prospect as any in modern musical theatre. Throw in a story ripped from the headlines, and you’ve got a recipe for a sure-fire hit—at least that’s the buzz swirling around theatre circles.

The Real-World Angle

While the documentary version showcased Jackie and David Siegel’s real-life travails, the musical adaptation is bound to offer a more stylised depiction. Yet the core questions remain: How do we define the American Dream? Is it truly about relentless expansion, or can it be found in simpler achievements, like preserving family unity during tough times? For all the comedic potential in seeing a couple try to outdo a centuries-old French palace, there’s a sobering undercurrent: the 2008 financial crisis shook countless families across America and beyond, turning their aspirations into cautionary tales.

Here’s a detail that might surprise you: the stage version will not merely replicate the documentary but delve deeper into the characters’ emotional arcs. Word from the Boston premiere suggested that Lindsey Ferrentino’s book zooms in on Jackie’s resilience—her humour, her youthful dreams, and the emotional toll of living in a half-finished mansion. Essentially, this is not just a show about “rich people problems.” It’s about individuals grappling with the human cost of ambition, set against the neon glow of Floridian extravagance.

The Red Carpet And Beyond

Mark your calendars, especially if you’re the type who loves a little extra fanfare: the official red carpet celebration will be held on 9 November, just before the musical’s opening night on 10 November. Expect paparazzi, theatre aficionados, and maybe even a cameo from the original documentary’s cast—though that’s not officially confirmed. One can dream of real-life Jackie Siegel strolling down the red carpet in a gown that would make Marie Antoinette do a double take.

For those who might be wondering about future plans, the production’s creative and producing team includes Bill Damaschke, Seaview, Diva Worldwide Entertainment, and Sonia Friedman—names that carry serious clout in the industry. If THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES triumphs in New York, there’s every reason to believe we’ll see touring productions pop up in key US cities and potentially beyond, bringing the show’s comedic drama and lyrical musings to a broader audience.

The Songbook

At first glance, one might suspect that a musical set in a Floridian mansion brimming with gold-laced furniture might gravitate toward straightforward, jazzy showstoppers or bombastic pop anthems. But those in the know have hinted that Stephen Schwartz’s score dances between these extremes. There’s the occasional flamboyant number that nods to the Siegels’ lavish tastes, balanced by introspective ballads exploring the emptiness that material excess sometimes fails to fill.

During the Boston previews, audiences reportedly responded strongly to an eleven o’clock number for Kristin Chenoweth’s character, a piece that merges comedic flair with pathos—something only Schwartz could concoct for the indefatigable star. This particular track, described by one insider as “equal parts confessional and showstopper,” might just become the tune you’ll be humming on the way home.

A Few Final Words

The countdown has begun: with previews set for 8 October, it won’t be long before the lights dim at the St. James Theatre and we witness a real-life documentary’s transformation into a big, brassy Broadway musical. Whether you find the Siegel saga a guilty pleasure or a sobering reflection of financial folly, there’s no denying the story’s resonance. Ambition meets adversity on a colossal scale—and if that isn’t ideal fodder for a show-stopping theatre piece, what is?

At its core, THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES is a testament to how musicals can elevate everyday drama (or extraordinary drama, in this case) to a place of communal reflection. Surrounded by lavish sets, comedic one-liners, and possibly a touch of heartbreak, audiences will ponder the fine line between success and self-destruction, all through the lens of a family that dared to dream too big.

In an era where musicals are increasingly tasked with reflecting the complexities of our world, this production stands poised to become one of the season’s most compelling new works. So whether you’re a die-hard Kristin Chenoweth devotee, a Stephen Schwartz groupie, or simply fascinated by the fireworks that occur when real estate mania collides with the Great Recession, consider booking a ticket. When the curtain rises on a tale of ambition that soared close to the sun, you’ll be there to experience the drama, the delight, and, perhaps, the moral that comes softly into focus once the final note fades.