A workshop presentation for the developing Stephen Schwartz musical The Queen of Versailles is planned for NYC this November, with a starry cast attached, including Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham, Here Lies Love's Melody Butiu, Kimberly Akimbo's Nina White, and Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth. The new musical is based on the 2012 documentary of the same name, centered on socialite and beauty queen Jacqueline "Jackie" Siegel.
The musical tracks Siegel as she becomes the wife of David "Timeshare King" Siegel and mother to eight children as they endeavor to build the largest private home in the country in Orlando, Florida, only for the 2008 recession to dampen their dreams and lavish lifestyle.
Chenoweth, who is starring as Siegel, has been attached to the project since at least February, when it was announced that she would lead an industry reading of the project. An out-of-town engagement was expected to follow the March reading, but a full staging has not yet materialized. The project reunites Chenoweth with Schwartz after the former created the role of Glinda in Schwartz's Wicked.
Director Michael Arden (Parade) and book writer Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone) are still attached to the in-development musical. Seaview has joined the project's producing team, which also includes Bill Damaschke and Chenoweth's Diva Worldwide Entertainment.