In a recent interview with Vogue, Kristin Chenoweth expressed her excitement and gratitude for her involvement in the upcoming Broadway musical, The Queen of Versailles. Chenoweth, known for her roles in Wicked and Promises, Promises, is thrilled to have a new and challenging role to sink her teeth into at this stage in her career. She describes the musical as a big, new American production, emphasizing the scale and complexity of the project. Chenoweth is particularly excited about the opportunity to delve into a character as multifaceted as Jackie, the real-life inspiration behind the musical.
The Queen of Versailles was developed through a collaborative effort involving writer Lindsey, composer Stephen, producer Bill Damaschke, and director Michael Arden. Lindsey, who had met the real-life Jackie at a beach club in Florida, was struck by the potential for her story to be adapted into a musical. The creative team approached Chenoweth with the idea during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially hesitant about the concept, Chenoweth agreed to participate in readings and workshops to explore the potential of the project. As she became more involved in the development process, she found herself drawn to Jackie’s character and the richness of the story being told.
Chenoweth’s experience with The Queen of Versailles draws parallels to her iconic role as Glinda in Wicked. Initially conceived as a supporting character, Glinda eventually became a central figure in the musical, much like Jackie’s role in The Queen of Versailles. Chenoweth’s immersion in the world of the musical allowed her to connect with Jackie’s character on a deeper level, much like she did with Glinda in Wicked. The process of bringing a new character to life on stage has reignited Chenoweth’s passion for musical theater and provided her with a fresh challenge to tackle in her illustrious career.
One of the key elements of The Queen of Versailles that excites Chenoweth is the opportunity to inhabit a character as complex and intriguing as Jackie. The real-life inspiration behind the musical, Jackie’s story captivated Lindsey and the creative team, prompting them to explore the narrative through the medium of musical theater. Chenoweth’s portrayal of Jackie promises to be a transformative experience for the actress, allowing her to delve into the depths of a character with a compelling and multifaceted personality. The prospect of exploring Jackie’s journey on stage has energized Chenoweth and fueled her enthusiasm for the project.
As the show prepares for its Broadway debut in 2025, Chenoweth is fully immersed in the world of The Queen of Versailles, undergoing rigorous rehearsals and costume fittings to bring Jackie to life on stage. The demanding nature of the role, which includes 18 costume changes per night during the Boston run, requires Chenoweth to embody Jackie’s essence through her performance, costumes, and interactions with the rest of the cast. Despite the challenges posed by such a role, Chenoweth relishes the opportunity to tackle a new character and play a central role in a groundbreaking American musical. Her commitment to the project and her passion for musical theater shine through in her dedication to portraying Jackie authentically and compellingly on stage.
In conclusion, Kristin Chenoweth’s involvement in The Queen of Versailles represents a new chapter in her illustrious career, providing her with a fresh and exciting challenge to tackle on Broadway. The musical, inspired by the real-life story of Jackie, offers Chenoweth the opportunity to explore a complex and intriguing character, much like she did with Glinda in Wicked. As she immerses herself in the world of the musical and prepares for its Broadway debut, Chenoweth’s passion for musical theater shines through in her commitment to bringing Jackie to life on stage. The Queen of Versailles promises to be a transformative experience for Chenoweth and a must-see production for audiences seeking a captivating and engaging musical theater experience.
