Kristin Chenoweth Shines in Ambitious, if Flawed, Broadway Debut of The Queen of Versailles

The Queen of Versailles, a new Broadway musical, has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the electric performance of Kristin Chenoweth, but others panning the overly ambitious production. The musical, which opened on Broadway in November 2025, is based on the 2012 documentary of the same name by award-winning documentarian Lauren Greenfield. The documentary followed Jackie and David Siegel, billionaires and owners of Westgate Resorts, as they began building a replica of Versailles in Orlando, Florida. According to critics, the musical, written by Olivier Award nominee Lindsey Ferrentino, with songs by Academy Award-winning songwriter Stephen Schwartz and directed by Tony Award winner Michael Arden, struggles to balance its ambitious scope with its narrative. Despite Chenoweth's standout performance as Jackie Siegel, the show's pacing and plot development have been criticized for being uneven. "Kristin Chenoweth's electric performance can't save this overly ambitious slog," wrote Aramide Tinubu in a review for a prominent entertainment publication. The musical's storyline follows the Siegels as they navigate the challenges of building their massive estate, while also dealing with the financial consequences of the 2008 stock market crash. The show's themes of wealth, privilege, and the American Dream are timely and thought-provoking, but some critics have argued that they are not fully explored. "The show's ambition is admirable, but it ultimately feels like a shallow exploration of the Siegels' lives," wrote another critic. The documentary on which the musical is based was a Sundance darling in 2012, and its success helped to launch Greenfield's career as a documentarian. The film's portrayal of the Siegels and their lavish lifestyle was both fascinating and disturbing, and it sparked a national conversation about wealth and inequality. The musical, while well-intentioned, has not received the same level of acclaim. Despite the mixed reviews, The Queen of Versailles has been well-received by audiences, with many praising Chenoweth's performance and the show's opulent sets and costumes. The musical is currently running at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City, and it is expected to continue its run through the spring of 2026. As the show continues to play, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and whether it can overcome its initial criticisms to become a hit on Broadway.