Broadway’s ‘Queen of Versailles’ Musical Stars Kristin Chenoweth

New York, NY — This summer, actors gathered for the first table read of “The Queen of Versailles,” a new Broadway musical featuring Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham. The real-life counterpart of Chenoweth’s character, Jackie Siegel, attended, sparking a mix of excitement and nerves in the star.

Chenoweth, known for her vibrant personality, expressed her apprehension saying, “I was nervous as a whore in church!” But she felt it was essential that Siegel understood the emotional depth of the story they were telling. “Finally, I just went up to her because I think the truth sets you free. I said, ‘Jackie, we’ve been very authentic in telling your story, and some of it’s going to hurt you, and I’m sorry about that,’” Chenoweth shared during a recent interview.

To her surprise, Siegel was not upset; instead, the two quickly formed a friendship. “It’s hard to imagine anyone being mad at the ridiculously charming Chenoweth,” commented an onlooker.

Currently, Chenoweth is preparing for the musical’s opening night on Nov. 9 at the St. James Theatre in Manhattan. This show is her second collaboration with composer Stephen Schwartz, who previously worked with her on the iconic musical “Wicked.” Chenoweth’s role in “Versailles” is tailor-made for her, and the plot centers around the extravagant lifestyle of the Siegels, a billionaire couple in Florida.

The musical explores the couple’s lavish lifestyle before the crash of the Great Recession, illustrating both the wealth and the struggles that followed, including Siegel’s loss of fortune and personal challenges.

Chenoweth emphasized that while audiences might expect a comedy, there are serious themes regarding loss and resilience in the show. She noted, “You think you’re coming to get a comedy, and I definitely give that. But there’s also the question of how do you deal with losing everything?”

The show brings to life the complex emotions connected with fame and fortune, resonating with Chenoweth’s own background of dreaming big from her small-town upbringing in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Outside of her theatrical pursuits, Chenoweth is dedicated to mentoring young talents through Broadway Bootcamp, a summer program she hosts for aspiring actors. Her recent efforts pay homage to her late friend, actor Gavin Creel, encouraging young performers to embrace their dreams. “Nothing would make Gavin happier than seeing these kids learn about him, who he was,” she said.

As she balances her successful career with personal challenges, including managing Meniere’s disease, Chenoweth remains committed to her advocacy and authenticity. “I don’t want to go back to my 20s or 40s. I don’t need to go backward. You can do facials, all the things, but aging’s going to happen,” she said with resolve. Ï