The diminutive diva is taking on the most demanding role of her career in The Queen of Versailles. This portrayal reveals a different side of Chenoweth—less bubbly Glinda and more a steelier, determined woman who has fought her way to the top of show business.
Unlike her previous joyful characters, Chenoweth now depicts Jackie Siegel, a shopaholic one-percenter and wife of time-share mogul David Siegel, played by F. Murray Abraham. The lavish musical adapts the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the creative force behind Wicked.
Producing, starring in, and being the main box-office appeal of this new musical is an exhausting endeavor for Chenoweth. The show's Trumpian satire is an unusual choice for Broadway, intensifying tensions before its opening.
This pressure is heightened by a recent PR challenge. Following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University, Chenoweth responded beneath Kirk’s final Instagram post:
“I’m. Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak..”
She ended her comment with a broken-heart emoji.
Author's summary: Kristin Chenoweth returns to Broadway with a bold, satirical role that contrasts her past performances, navigating both artistic demands and recent public controversy.