The highly anticipated Broadway debut of The Queen of Versailles, the new musical by Stephen Schwartz and Lindsey Ferrentino, has confirmed its Broadway home at the St. James Theatre. Previews will begin on October 8, with the official opening night set for November 10. A red carpet event will take place on November 9.
Directed by Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending), the musical is adapted from Lauren Greenfield’s 2012 documentary, which follows Jackie and David Siegel’s attempt to build the largest private residence in the U.S. in Orlando, Florida. Their dream to create a Versailles-inspired mansion is thwarted by the 2008 recession, which dramatically alters their luxurious lifestyle.
Kristin Chenoweth will reprise her role as Jackie Siegel, a part she originated in the world premiere of the musical in Boston. Chenoweth, who is also producing the show under her Diva Worldwide Entertainment banner, expressed her excitement about returning to Broadway and collaborating again with Schwartz. “Stephen is a once-in-a-generation songwriter, and I’m so lucky to reunite for this original musical, under the direction of Michael Arden,” she said.
Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham will join Chenoweth as David Siegel. Abraham, known for his iconic role as Salieri in Amadeus, as well as recent performances in The White Lotus and Homeland, is making his return to Broadway.
The production’s creative team includes scenic and video design by Dane Laffrey, costume design by Christian Cowan, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Peter Hylenski, hair and wig design by Cookie Jordan, and orchestrations by John Clancy—all of whom reprise their work from the world premiere in Boston.
The Queen of Versailles marks a reunion between Chenoweth and Schwartz, who previously collaborated on Wicked, where Chenoweth originated the role of Glinda. Schwartz’s score promises to be a standout, with a book by Lindsey Ferrentino (Amy and the Orphans).
While additional casting for the Broadway production is yet to be announced, the original Boston cast included Melody Butiu, Nina White, Stephen DeRosa, Greg Hildreth, Tatum Grace Hopkins, and Isabel Keating.
Produced by Bill Damaschke, Seaview, Diva Worldwide Entertainment, and Sonia Friedman, The Queen of Versailles will run at the St. James Theatre starting October 8, with tickets available soon.
With its starry cast, top-notch creative team, and captivating story, The Queen of Versailles is poised to become one of the most talked-about Broadway shows of the season.
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