Queen of Versailles Broadway sparks outrage for ‘overly ambitious slog,’ critics slam Schwartz musical despite Chenoweth’s standout performance

The Queen of Versailles sparked instant debate on November 9, 2025. Kristin Chenoweth headlines the Stephen Schwartz musical at Broadway’s St. James Theatre. Critics praise her performance but hammer the show itself. The 2-hour 40-minute production divides the theater world.

What Critics Are Saying About the Musical

Variety called it an “overly ambitious slog.” The review stated: “Broadway is the wrong medium for this story.” Reviewer Aramide Tinubu praised Chenoweth’s electric performance. However, she noted the nearly three-hour show dragged by Act Two. The scenic design impressed audiences, but the music fell flat overall.

“Musicalizing the story does little to ground the audience in Jackie’s world and instead pulls and stretches the tale.”

The Washington Post said the show “exemplifies the excess it’s too sheepish to satirize.” Theatrely called it “mostly dull.” Entertainment Weekly described the musical as “superficial.” Critics consistently praised Chenoweth while rejecting the concept itself.

Chenoweth Shines Despite Script Problems

Everyone agrees on one thing: Kristin Chenoweth commands the stage brilliantly. The Emmy Award winner draws out humanity from a character who isn’t particularly likable. She transforms Jackie Siegel into sympathetic, complicated woman. F. Murray Abraham plays her much-older husband David with perfect crochety charm.

Nina White and Tatum Grace Hopkins deliver powerhouse vocals as Jackie’s daughter and niece. The ensemble impresses throughout. The costume design by Christian Cowan immediately establishes Jackie’s “new money” aesthetic. Dane Laffrey’s scenic design transforms scenes from 17th-century France to early 2000s Florida seamlessly. Yet stellar performances can’t salvage the fundamental problems.

The Musical Numbers Miss the Mark

Critics found the songs largely forgettable. “Caviar Dreams” stands out as the strongest number. Most other songs blur together by intermission. One review noted removing several musical pieces would improve the show significantly. The French Revolution scenes, while entertaining, feel tonally inconsistent with the rest.

Critical Verdict	Publication	Main Critique
Mixed-Negative	Variety	Overly ambitious, drags in Act Two
Negative	New York Post	Dire musical needing a wrecking ball
Mixed	New York Times	Material excess is the point
Negative	Washington Post	Too sheepish to effectively satirize
Mixed-Negative	Los Angeles Times	Chenoweth elevates weak material

Why Does the Musical Fail Critics?

The core issue: documentary material doesn’t translate to Broadway. Critics argue the documentary film’s power came from raw authenticity. Adding music dilutes that impact significantly. The show can’t decide between satire, farce, or sincere portrayal. It attempts all three and succeeds at none.

Some reviewers suggested condensing the show substantially would help. Removing Jackie’s upbringing sequences and excessive scenes might improve pacing. The 2 hour 40 minute runtime feels bloated by Act Two. Stephen Schwartz’s music, while competent, lacks memorability. Nothing compares to his Wicked masterpieces.

• The plot becomes repetitive after Act One climax.
• Tonal shifts between comedy and drama feel jarring.
• Supporting characters lack depth and development.
• The ending undercuts potential satire about wealth.
• Set changes, though impressive, can’t save weak storytelling.

Will You Enjoy This Show or Skip It?

Theater fans who love Kristin Chenoweth should see her performance firsthand. She’s truly stellar. If you appreciate stunning production design and talented casts, tickets might feel worthwhile. However, if you want strong storytelling and memorable music, reconsider.

The harsh reality: a superstar can’t always save a flawed concept. Chenoweth pulls out all stops, yet even her magnetism can’t fully overcome the production’s fundamental problems. Some stories genuinely work better on film. Lauren Greenfield’s documentary captured something Broadway musicals can’t replicate. Transforming it into a three-hour spectacle diminished rather than elevated the material.

Box Office and Future Prospects

Opening night reviews matter for Broadway shows dramatically. Mixed-to-negative reception typically impacts ticket sales immediately. However, Chenoweth’s star power and devoted fanbase provide some cushion. Strong word-of-mouth could eventually turn things around. Conversely, negative social media buzz spreads quickly nowadays.

What’s Next for This Controversial Musical?

Theater insiders debate whether The Queen of Versailles will get revisions. Typically, struggling shows make adjustments post-opening. Condensing the runtime, cutting less essential scenes, and sharpening the satire could strengthen it. Whether producers will invest in significant rewrites remains uncertain.

One thing is clear: Kristin Chenoweth proved she can carry Broadway again. Her performance transcends the material’s limitations. Whether that’s enough to sustain the production long-term is the real question. Theater fans should form their own opinions. You might discover surprising depth others missed entirely.

Sources

• Variety – Comprehensive opening night review analyzing musical structure
• Playbill – Review roundup featuring all major Broadway critics
• Washington Post – Critical analysis of satire and theatrical choices