The Queen of Versailles, the Broadway-bound new musical from Stephen Schwartz and Lindsey Ferrentino now making its world premiere at Boston's Colonial Theatre, officially opened August 1, and the reviews are rolling in. The show, which reunites Schwartz with his original Wicked star Kristin Chenoweth, announced a Broadway bow for the 2025-2026 season earlier this week. Boston performances continue through August 25.
Chenoweth stars as socialite Jacqueline "Jackie" Siegel, along with F. Murray Abraham as David Siegel. The musical is adapted from the 2012 documentary of the same name, which follows the couple's endeavor to build the largest private home in the country in Orlando, Florida, only for the 2008 recession to dampen their dreams and lavish lifestyle.
Read the reviews below.
Boston.com (Peter Chianka and Jackie Chianca)
The New York Times (Laura Collins-Hughes)*
TheaterMania (Cameron Kelsall)
*This review may require creating a free account or a paid subscription.
Playbill will continue to update this list as reviews come in.
The cast also includes Here Lies Love’s Melody Butiu as Sofia Flores, Kimberly Akimbo’s Nina White as Victoria Siegel, Stephen DeRosa (Little Shop of Horrors) as John, Greg Hildreth (Company) as Gary, Tatum Grace Hopkins as Jonquil, and Tony nominee Isabel Keating (The Boy from Oz) as Debbie. The ensemble comprises Anna Bakun, Stacie Bono, Yeman Brown, Amanda Jane Cooper, David Aron Damane, Drew Elhamalawy, Sara Esty, KJ Hippensteel, Diana Huey, Cassondra James, Andrew Kober, Jesse Kovarsky, Pablo David Laucerica, Travis Murad Leland, Michael Mulheren, Michael McCorry Rose, and Grace Slear. Casting is by C12 Casting.
Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone, Amy and the Orphans) penned the book from Lauren Greenfield's film, and Tony winner Michael Arden (Parade, Once on This Island) is directing.
The production features choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant (Parade), music supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Some Like It Hot), scenic design by Dane Laffrey (Parade), costume design by fashion designer Christian Cowan, lighting design by Natasha Katz (Sweeney Todd), and sound design by Peter Hylenski (Beetlejuice). Clarissa Marie Ligon is production stage manager, and Justin Scribner serves as production supervisor.
Chenoweth has been attached to the project since at least February 2023, when it was announced that she would lead an industry reading of the project.
The Queen of Versailles is produced by Bill Damaschke, Seaview, and Chenoweth, through her production banner Diva Worldwide Entertainment.
Visit QueenOfVersaillesMusical.com.
F. Murray Abraham in The Queen of Versailles
Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham in The Queen of Versailles
Kristin Chenoweth and company of The Queen of Versailles
Company of The Queen of Versailles
Company of The Queen of Versailles
