Review: NYC’s ‘Queen of Versailles’ with Kristin Chenoweth

So, if you find yourself kicking around NYC and wanting some stage magic, ‘Nyc the Queen of Versailles Starring Kristin Chenoweth’ could be just what you’re after, right? Is that a new musical turning heads, drawing you in with, that is, a blend of glitz, humor, plus a heavy dose of Chenoweth’s sparkle? Basically, yeah, pretty much.

First Impressions: Chenoweth Shines, But How Brightly?

Okay, let’s be honest, any show with Kristin Chenoweth kinda has a leg up, very. We, actually, know she is just, like, a force of nature on stage, you know? Really, very few performers can grab your attention and refuse to let go similarly to her. Still, that’s the thing, isn’t it? A big name can attract an audience, but the show needs to deliver. Alright, so did “Queen of Versailles” meet that challenge?

So, walking into the theater, that set had real potential. In fact, very good. Just a bit over the top – you get a sense of what they are going for straight away; opulence with a touch of satire, arguably, so. Then Chenoweth comes on, right, and, very, instantly, you’re thinking, ‘Okay, she’s got this.’ Frankly, and this is it: that voice, that presence, that, really, amazing comedic timing.

Yet, almost from the start there, it felt a bit like a one-person show carrying the rest. More or less. In other words, as I was saying, the supporting cast isn’t terrible, not really; but do they hold their own alongside a star like Chenoweth? Not really. Pretty much not. So, you start wondering if the show leans too much on her star power, okay?

Story Time: From Documentary to Stage

So, for those that may have forgotten, or did not catch the original, you, like your, need to remember “The Queen of Versailles” began as a documentary. Actually, it followed Jackie and David Siegel, that is, a billionaire couple, and their, really, wild dream of building the biggest single-family home in America, that, is their very own Versailles, anyway.

Arguably, the documentary shows this crazy excess, so it does this until, anyway, the 2008 financial crisis hits, you know? Right, like their whole empire starts to crumble, so then all of the plans get derailed. As I was saying, the musical takes that story and does this, that is, it adds songs, some jokes, plus, yeah, it kind of hopes for a good, old heartstring-tug. So, I guess what happens is that then you’re kinda feeling something.

Anyway, very few people knew the details of what was involved when the transformation was made. Alright, so how do you turn a reality story, you see, one that swings so much, into a fulfilling stage performance, you know? As I was saying, is it that it keeps the, honestly, darkly funny vibe of the documentary? Or really does it shoot to produce a very soft, human version?

The Music: Hit or Miss?

So, the music, that had some high moments, didn’t it? Is that a point of agreement, kind of? Alright, but then some that were… less so, literally. In other words, and here it is: Chenoweth’s vocals? Perfect. Extremely powerful. Obviously.

Alright, but those other songs, very few stood out. That is, actually, very few stuck with me after walking out of the theater, more or less. Still, I will say this, those bigger, more upbeat ensemble bits? As a matter of fact, extremely effective. So, did those musical numbers that just really moved everything along, obviously.

Just, and you need to see this: maybe some catchy themes and arrangements were missing overall, very. Clearly, you are thinking there could have been way more potential utilized to develop a, definitely, better effect.

Chenoweth’s Performance: A Masterclass?

Now, if, like your, focus goes to Kristin Chenoweth herself. Completely magnetic. Clearly so. Almost, like it really does not matter how you might feel concerning any small weaknesses of the show generally. Then you are almost diverted simply because of her.

Is that range on show, alright? Those vocals? As a matter of fact, killer. Unbelievably beautiful, really. Still, more than simply singing capability, still she brought all of that charisma and a comedy feel that’s absolutely next level, very. If anything I am thinking, okay? As a matter of fact, you may, honestly, pay merely to catch that brilliance.

Still, very good stage performance can’t ever redeem some script that possibly skims, just a little. It’s almost when what Chenoweth provides is actually simply accentuating how, very, mediocre the substance often appeared on stage, obviously. But still, worth going to observe Chenoweth acting, definitely.

Overall Verdict: Worth the Ticket?

At the end of the day, that show feels kinda mixed. Absolutely. Still, a very, very good starring role given by Chenoweth that virtually by itself might validate getting one of those tickets, seriously. Almost worth it. I mean honestly, the support performance along with those musical ratings might sometimes slide, just a little. Is that a total flop, pretty much not.

Still, there is a great chance that you’ll have just a, definitely, fun period. Just do. Even so when you let what, kind of, shines onstage really overwhelm what is not working, right? In some respects, you get it all. Just see, really!