It was Broadway meets Hollywood this afternoon on West 44th Street, where Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham stepped into the spotlight together to announce the complete cast of The Queen of Versailles. The press event outside the St. James Theatre had the air of a red-carpet premiere, with cameras flashing and anticipation running high.
Directed by Tony® Award winner Michael Arden, with music and lyrics by Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz and a book by Olivier Award® nominee Lindsey Ferrentino, the new musical brings cinematic grandeur to the Broadway stage.
Chenoweth, beloved for her electric stage presence, will star in the title role, while Abraham — whose screen legacy spans from Amadeus to television acclaim — joins her in a rare Broadway return. Together, they anchor a powerhouse ensemble featuring Melody Butiu, Stephen DeRosa, Greg Hildreth, Tatum Grace Hopkins, Isabel Keating, and Nina White.
The supporting company boasts some of the most versatile talents in the industry, from Yeman Brown and David Aron Damane to Grace Slear and Jake Bentley Young.
Produced by Bill Damaschke, Seaview, Sonia Friedman, and Chenoweth herself, The Queen of Versailles begins performances October 8 and will open officially November 9. With its mix of Broadway prestige and Hollywood sparkle, the production is already shaping up as one of the most talked-about events of the season.
As Chenoweth quipped to reporters, “It’s not just a show — it’s a whole kingdom.” And judging by today’s unveiling, audiences are eager to be ruled.
