Kristin Chenoweth’s ‘The Queen of Versailles’ Closes on January 4
The Broadway musical “The Queen of Versailles,” featuring the talented Kristin Chenoweth, will conclude its run earlier than expected. The show is scheduled to close on January 4, following its opening performance on October 8 at the St. James Theatre.
Background of “The Queen of Versailles”
The musical is inspired by the 2012 documentary about Jackie and David Siegel, who strive to construct a replica of the Palace of Versailles in Florida. Their ambitious project faced significant challenges due to the 2008 financial crisis.
Notable Contributions and Cast
- Composer: Stephen Schwartz, known for his work on “Wicked.”
- Director: Michael Arden, a Tony Award winner recognized for his directorial skills.
- Book Writer: Lindsey Ferrentino authored the musical’s narrative.
- Cast Highlights:
- Kristin Chenoweth
- F. Murray Abraham
- Ninah White
- Tatum Grace Hopkins
This production marks Chenoweth’s return to Broadway after a decade-long absence. She served as a producer, collaborating with industry figures like Bill Damaschke, Seaview, and Sonia Friedman. Chenoweth cited her enthusiasm for the project sparked by a song Schwartz and Arden shared with her during the pandemic.
Reception and Financial Performance
Despite gaining a Critic’s Pick designation from The New York Times, “The Queen of Versailles” received mixed to negative reviews overall. Financially, the show had been generating just over $1 million weekly with a capacity rate exceeding 90%. However, these figures did not meet the expectations due to the high operating costs associated with large-scale musicals.
Creative Vision and Themes
Chenoweth expressed her belief that the musical offers a reflection on society. She indicated that while the production begins with comedic elements, it transitions to a more serious tone in its second act, which explores themes beyond what the original documentary addressed.
As she noted, audience members were often surprised by the tonal shift. “I think people thought it was going to be one thing… but there’s a very dark turn that happens,” she said. “It shines a mirror on all of us, good, bad, ugly.”
