The Queen of Versailles is a new musical based on Lauren Greenfield's 2012 documentary, which follows billionaire couple Jackie and David Siegel as their plans to build the largest private home in America are upended by the 2008 financial crisis. After premiering in Boston in 2024, the production transferred to Broadway's St. James Theatre as one of the most anticipated new shows of the 2025–2026 season. The musical features a score by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Lindsey Ferrentino, and direction by Michael Arden, with a cast led by Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham, alongside a design team that leans fully into the scale and spectacle of the Siegel story.

Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Brent McCreary, a Broadway industry veteran and live entertainment strategist, to unpack this ambitious new musical. Together, they discuss standout performances (including Sherie Rene Scott who stood by for Kristin), the show's larger-than-life production elements, and what happens when real-life excess meets theatrical storytelling—while also exploring how two different performances in the same role can reshape the audience experience.

*****

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Intro / Welcome Brent McCreary
7:15 - Setting the Stage
8:26 - Critical Darling Thesis
11:17 - Hot Takes
37:33 - Big Feels
43:53 - Should You See It?
48:40 - Outro

*****

MORE ON THE SHOW

Listen to the Cast Recording: https://tinyurl.com/ybnkma8z

*****

GUEST HOST LOVE

Follow Brent: https://www.instagram.com/crazyforconcerts/

*****

SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING

Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch
https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4Gr7rDQAJpobM1pb1gDD

YouTube - Subscribe & Watch
https://www.youtube.com/@criticaldarlingpod

Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-darling/id1870444384

Instagram - Follow & Connect https://www.instagram.com/criticaldarlingpod?igsh=MWZ0ZWtyeTQzaGwxcg==

Amazon Music - Follow & Listen https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e925c14a-0d59-40f1-856b-b7dc9c32fa09

TikTok - Follow & Connect https://www.tiktok.com/@criticaldarlingpod?_r=1&_t=ZT-93HfSIERtvS