The Queen of Versailles is a 2024 musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Lindsey Ferrentino. It is based on the 2012 documentary of the same name about Jackie and David Siegel, owners of Westgate Resorts, who are building a gigantic mansion, Versailles, in central Florida.[1]
| The Queen of Versailles | |
|---|---|
| Music | Stephen Schwartz |
| Lyrics | Stephen Schwartz |
| Book | Lindsey Ferrentino |
| Basis | Inspired by the documentary of same name |
| Premiere | July 16, 2024: Emerson Colonial Theatre |
| Productions | 2024 Boston |
Synopsis
editIn central Florida, just as the housing bubble bursts and the 2008 financial crisis nearly bankrupts them, Jackie and David Siegel, are building a gigantic mansion named and modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France. Jackie is a former model, warm, optimistic and naïve; her husband David, 30 years her senior, is an aggressive businessman, as optimistic as his wife; he is the founder and owner of Westgate Resorts, famous for its timeshares, and also owns property in Las Vegas.
Jackie's life story unfolds, from her middle-class, small town childhood to her ambitions and life of luxury. This is juxtaposed against events in the history of the royal court of Versailles. As the Great Recession strikes, construction on the house is halted and the staff is let go, including the Siegels' longtime driver and nanny. Jackie struggles to control her shopping addiction, and David focuses single-mindedly on saving his properties. Jackie's relationship with her daughter Victoria evolves, and Victoria forms a bond with her cousin, Jonquil, who comes to live with the Siegels.
Through David's efforts, the family's fortunes eventually recover, and they avert bankruptcy. A devastating tragedy strikes when Victoria dies.
Productions
editThe musical is expected to premiere at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 16 and to run until August 25, 2024.[2]
Characters and original cast
edit| Character | Boston (2024) |
|---|---|
| Jackie Siegel | Kristin Chenoweth |
| David A. Siegel | F. Murray Abraham |
| Sofia Flores | Melody Butiu |
| John | Stephen DeRosa |
| Gary | Greg Hildreth |
| Jonquil Peed | Tatum Grace Hopkins |
| Debbie Debbie | Isabel Keating |
| Victoria Siegel | Nina White |
References
edit- ^ Putnam, Leah (February 24, 2023). "Kristin Chenoweth and Stephen Schwartz to Reunite on Queen of Versailles Musical". Playbill. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ King, Darryn (May 13, 2024). "The Queen of Versailles, Starring Kristin Chenoweth, Extends World Premiere and Completes Casting". Broadway.com. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
External links
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