Kristin Chenoweth Stars in Broadway Premiere of “The Queen of Versailles”

Kristin Chenoweth captivated audiences yesterday at the Broadway opening of “The Queen of Versailles” at the St. James Theatre, a musical adaptation of Lauren Greenfield’s 2012 documentary about the Siegel family and their ambitious, ultimately stalled, construction of a massive Florida mansion.

The musical traces Jackie Siegel’s journey from an upstate New York upbringing and beauty pageant winner to her marriage with timeshare mogul David Siegel, portrayed by F. Murray Abraham. The story unfolds as the 2008 financial crisis threatens their opulent lifestyle and the completion of their sprawling Orlando home, initially envisioned at 26,000 square feet. As Jackie explains in the song “Because We Can,” “We just want the home of our dreams/And the house we’re in now,/Although it’s sweet,/It’s only like 26,000 square feet,/So we’re just bursting at the seams.” The production, directed by Michael Arden, expands on the documentary by exploring the lives of Jackie’s daughters, Victoria and Jonquil, and the broader societal implications of extreme wealth and its sudden fragility. This premiere comes at a time of renewed discussion about economic inequality in the United States.

Stephen Schwartz, known for his work on “Wicked,” composed the score, which blends satirical numbers like “Mrs. Florida” with more poignant pieces such as “The Book of Random.” Critics have noted Chenoweth’s performance as a nuanced portrayal of Jackie Siegel, avoiding caricature while capturing her “quixotic generosity and parvenu carelessness.” Melody Butiu also delivers a compelling performance as the Siegels’ nanny, highlighting the sacrifices made by those supporting the family’s extravagant lifestyle. For more information on the economic factors surrounding the 2008 financial crisis, see The Federal Reserve History website.

While praised for its ambition and Chenoweth’s performance, some reviewers have noted the musical’s unwieldy structure and difficulty in achieving emotional resonance amidst the comedic elements. The show attempts to move beyond satire to explore themes of tragedy and moral accountability, but struggles to fully land its emotional weight. The production builds on a tryout last summer at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre. You can find more information about Broadway shows and schedules at Broadway.com.

Producers stated they will continue to refine the production based on audience and critical feedback in the coming weeks.