Natalie Joy Johnson Will Be Leona Helmsley in Queen of Mean Concert

Alex Lippard, David Lee, and Ron Passaro's new musical will play 54 Below next month.

April 17, 2026 By Andrew Gans

Natalie Joy Johnson, seen on Broadway in Lempicka, Kinky Boots, and Legally Blonde, will play late businesswoman Leona Helmsley in a concert performance of Queen of Mean: The Rise and Fall of Leona Helmsley May 17 at 7 PM at 54 Below.

Joining Johnson on stage will be Elizabeth Ward Land (Amazing Grace, Scandalous, Memphis), Ken Land (Promises, Promises; The Scarlet Pimpernel; Victor/Victoria), Eliana Nunley, Danny Rutigliano (I Need That, Beetlejuice, Holiday Inn), and Matt Wolpe (Finding Neverland, Once national tour).

Queen of Mean features a book by Alex Lippard and David Lee, lyrics by Lee, music by Ron Passaro, and concept and additional lyrics by Lippard.

From glittering penthouses to courtroom drama, the musical traces Helmsley’s meteoric ascent through New York high society, and the spectacular unraveling that made her a tabloid legend and earned her the nickname of Queen of Mean.

Music direction is by Mitchell Brownell, who will lead a band that features Dan Berkery (Operation Mincemeat) on drums and Leigh Stuart (Picnic at Hanging Rock) on cello.

Visit 54Below.org.