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The Queen of Versailles’ Opens on Broadway to Mixed Reviews, With Chenoweth Lauded

The musical adapts Lauren Greenfield’s documentary, featuring a Stephen Schwartz score under Michael Arden’s direction.

Overview

  • The production opened November 9 at the St. James Theatre, starring Kristin Chenoweth with F. Murray Abraham, a book by Lindsey Ferrentino, and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
  • Critics broadly praise Chenoweth’s star turn and the production’s dazzle, while many describe the book and score as tonally uneven and the show as feeling undercooked.
  • Reviews single out opulent scenic, video, and costume design for their impact, noting Michael Arden’s maximalist staging and large-scale visual flourishes.
  • The stage version expands beyond the 2012 documentary’s timeline to cover later chapters in the Siegels’ story without settling on a consistent dramatic stance.
  • Jackie Siegel has actively promoted the show and attended opening performances, reinforcing the production’s close ties to its real-life subject.