If eternal ambition had a face, it would be Jackie Siegel’s. She chases her dreams like only a queen can.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, shrewdly directed by Michael Arden with dynamic choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher “Cree” Grant, The world premiere of The Queen of Versailles continues its pre-Broadway run live and in person at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through August 25. This impeccably well-timed show grandly opened during the Paris Olympics and runs two hours and 45 minutes including one 20 minute intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
From its French-inspired royal opening, The Queen of Versailles is a gorgeous sight to behold and it is immediately clear that Emerson Colonial Theatre and this pre-Broadway debut are made for each other. Emerson Colonial Theatre’s architectural design is patterned after elements of Versailles and The Louvre. This elegant baroque-style venue’s meticulously-detailed gold trim, ornate murals, and glittering chandeliers superbly match Dane Laffrey’s multi-layered video and opulent scenic design including its fine crown molding, candelabras and matching gold embellishments.
The Queen of Versailles delves into the love of wealth, excess, and consumption led by a sterling performance by Kristin Chenoweth as the self-proclaimed queen herself, Jaqueline Siegel, or Jackie. Small town New Yorker Jackie has tremendous dreams as well as the determination and ingenuity to make them all come true with a degree in computer engineering. However, things do not go quite as planned, and Jackie is left to think of a new way to achieve her ‘champagne wishes and caviar dreams’ as described by host Robin Leach on the inspiring 80’s TV show, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous that Jackie watched growing up with her family. Chenoweth’s sunny disposition, rich vocals and sharp comic timing tempers Jackie’s seeming shallowness with irresistible charm to make determined, resourceful, and relentless Jackie an instantly likable lead. Chenoweth’s vocals are just as dynamic and powerful as ever with the hilarious opening number, Because I Can as she embraces and embodies this complex character that prefers her diet coke in a golden chalice.
Though Chenoweth as Jackie and the cast seem to be speaking to the audience, Arden’s clever direction has the audience watching the making of The Queen of Versailles documentary where Jackie and her husband, F. Murray Abraham in an impressive portrayal as David, is in the process of building the biggest house in America patterned after Versailles and located in Orlando, Florida with a budget to the tune of 75 million and a Benihana in the basement. Leading to all this is a fascinating and vastly entertaining story based on Lauren Greenfield’s documentary film of the same name and the real life stories of Jackie and David Siegel. It’s a multilayered rags-to-riches-story….and that is only the beginning.
Boasting a brilliant cast, The Queen of Versailles is both socially satirical and genuinely funny while delivering a meaty and heartfelt storyline. Sparkling Chenoweth meets her match in F. Murray Abraham as wildly successful, charismatic and equally ambitious Timeshare King David. A slick and charming businessman, Abraham and Chenoweth rapidly share a likeminded rapport and some powerful scenes. Abraham and the cast humorously perform The Ballad of the Timeshare King with Laffrey’s marvelous video projections, some onstage orchestrations, and Christian Cowan’s notable western-inspired costumes. From meticulously-detailed historical to outrageously fabulous as well as from glitzy to edgy, Cowan’s colorful assortment of standout and distinctive costumes with Cookie Jordan’s embellishing wigs enliven each compelling scene.
Nina White delivers a memorable performance as Jackie’s introspective daughter Victoria who feels like an outsider in her own home. Jackie has a complicated relationship with Victoria who likes to be called Ricky in spite of being named after the Queen. White’s soaring vocals lift stirring numbers Pretty Always Wins and Book of Random to another level as well as a stunning moment with Chenoweth for In Little Houses. White’s lighthearted duet with Tatum Grace Hopkins as struggling Jonquil for Poor Little Lizard bring some levity to the production’s more serious topics. White and Melody Butiu as a wonderful Sophia share a sweet camaraderie. Hopkins shares the stage with Chenoweth for a phenomenal rendition of I Could Get Used to This.
The supporting cast all have fabulous comic timing with a notable performance by Pablo David Laucerica in multiple roles including a smirking King Louis and as well as Andrew Kober as an over the top pageant host and others.
With gumption, determination, courage, and ambition, Chenoweth as Jackie candidly tells the audience you must thrust yourself onto greatness. Realizing your dream and what is truly important is quite a revelation and what a thrill to embark on this musical journey to chase a dream with the Queen of Versailles herself.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, shrewdly directed by Michael Arden and dynamic choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, The world premiere of The Queen of Versailles continues its pre-Broadway run live and in person at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through August 25. Click here for more information and for tickets.