Thank goodness! Tony winners Kristin Chenoweth and composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz are together again. They're collaborating on a new musical based on the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles about socialite Jacqueline Siegel. The work will have an industry reading in New York City March 24, ahead of an out-of-town engagement. Further details will be announced at a later date.
This marks the duo's reunion following Wicked, where Chenoweth was Schwartz's inspiration for the character of Glinda, the role she originated on Broadway. Now it seems Chenoweth will be Schwartz's muse again.
Chenoweth will star in Queen of Versailles as Siegel, who "sees herself as the embodiment of the American Dream" as she became a billionaire and wife of David Siegel, also known as "The Timeshare King." The 2012 documentary follows the pair, their eight children, and their dogs as they seek to build a $100 million house in Orlando, Florida, inspired by the Palace of Versailles which would be the largest private home in America. And then, the Great Recession of 2008 hits.
Featuring a book by Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone, Amy and the Orphans) and direction by Tony nominee Michael Arden (Parade, Once on This Island), The Queen of Versailles will explore the cost of fame, fortune, and family.
The Queen of Versailles is produced by Bill Damaschke with Chenoweth also acting as producer through her production company Diva Worldwide Entertainment.