The petite diva embraces the most demanding role of her career in The Queen of Versailles. This portrayal reveals a new side of Chenoweth—far from the bubbly Glinda persona. Here, she embodies a tougher, more resolute woman, reflecting the real Kristin who has fought her way to the top in show business.
This version of Chenoweth is steelier and somewhat worn by the pressures of mounting a new musical. She is not only its star but also its producer and biggest box office attraction, which adds to the challenge.
In the musical adaptation of the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles, Chenoweth plays Jackie Siegal, a shopaholic billionaire wife of time-share mogul David Siegel, portrayed by F. Murray Abraham. The show features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, known for Wicked.
This production is an unusual Trumpian satire for Broadway, raising expectations and tensions leading up to the opening.
Adding to the pre-opening challenges, Chenoweth faced backlash after commenting on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University. She wrote beneath Kirk’s final Instagram post:
“I’m. Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak..”
She concluded with a broken-heart emoji, stirring discussion among fans and critics alike.
Kristin Chenoweth takes on a complex, provocative role in a bold new musical, revealing a more determined, resilient side amid both artistic and public pressures.