Broadway’s ‘Queen of Versailles’ Starring Kristin Chenoweth Closes in January
Kristin Chenoweth’s much-anticipated musical, “The Queen of Versailles,” will conclude its Broadway run sooner than expected. After just under two months of performances, the final show is scheduled for January 4 at the St. James Theatre.
Performance Overview
The quick closure of “The Queen of Versailles” reflects ongoing challenges faced by new Broadway musicals in capturing audience interest. The production premiered on November 9, following previews that began on October 8. With its last performance set for January, the show will have completed less than two months in total.
Production Background
This musical is inspired by Lauren Greenfield’s 2012 documentary, portraying a wealthy couple’s ambitious plans to build a vast 90,000 square-foot estate during the 2008 economic crisis. The show originally debuted at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston in 2024, where it received enough acclaim to justify its transfer to Broadway.
Key Personnel
- Lead Performer: Kristin Chenoweth
- Co-Star: F. Murray Abraham
- Director: Michael Arden, noted for his Tony Award-winning work on “Parade” and “Maybe Happy Ending.”
- Composer: Stephen Schwartz, renowned for “Wicked,” which also featured Chenoweth in its original cast.
Critical Reception
Reviews for “The Queen of Versailles” have been mixed to negative. Critics noted that while the initial act was engaging, the nearly three-hour performance lost momentum in its second act. According to Variety’s Aramide Tinubu, the show began to drag as it approached its conclusion.
In a pre-show interview, Chenoweth expressed enthusiasm about landing a dream role, stating, “For years, people have asked me, ‘What’s your dream role?’” She went on to highlight her excitement for this unique opportunity.
The upcoming closure of “The Queen of Versailles” emphasizes the competitive nature of Broadway and the difficulties new shows frequently encounter in maintaining audience engagement. As the curtain prepares to fall on this production, it serves as a reflection of both the challenges and the allure of Broadway theatre.
