Latest news with #TheQueenofVersailles
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kristin Chenoweth Reveals One Broadway Role She "Would Love to Play"
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Broadway's original Glinda the Good is about to don a very different crown. will return to The Great White Way for the first time in a decade, starring in an original musical titled The Queen of Versailles. Previews begin at the St. James Theatre this October for the show, which is loosely based on the real-life story of the Siegel family, who built the largest private home in America in Orlando, Florida. Written by Lindsey Ferrentino and directed by Michael Arden, Kristin is also teaming back up with Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, who she jokes "had been threatening to write me a show for 22 years." Still, the Tony Award winner wants audiences to know, "It is not Wicked. It's very different. The score is very different. It's a very different kind of subject matter." Good Housekeeping spoke to Kristin ahead of the 2025 Tony Awards about the inspiration behind The Queen of Versailles, the challenges of bringing an original show to Broadway and whether audiences can expect another cameo from her and Idina Menzel in the upcoming movie musical sequel, Wicked: For Good. "I think our cameos are done, and I think it's nice because they paid homage to us. We got to do it, and now it's their turn," Kristin says of stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. "I do know one secret that I can't tell, but I'm really excited to hear those girls sing "For Good." I'm probably going to weep. They're so in love with each other, and yet they're each their own person, very much like Idina and I were. And it's just nice to see. I'm really proud of them." When it comes to this season's crop of Broadway shows, she admits she's "behind," but notes that there are "so many good ones" running. "I support them all. There's always something to love about Broadway, always. Will it be my favorite thing in the world? Maybe not. But there's room for a lot of different kinds of pieces. And so I was really glad to see our Broadway so packed," she says. As for some of her favorites, and what's next on her list? "I loved Smash. I laughed my butt off. I helped develop Death Becomes Her — I was maybe going to do that show and made a different decision — but I loved Death Becomes Her, and I was really proud of the girls [Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard.] I have not seen Dead Outlaw yet; I really want to go see that. I've got to see BOOP!" Idina, who famously originated the role of Elphaba alongside Kristin's Galinda, starred in the musical Redwood from February to May of this year. "Here's what I want to say, and this is really an important thing for me to say because it's what I believe. I love the revivals. Nicole [Scherzinger] is otherworldly in Sunset Boulevard. But as far as Redwood goes, and Smash, BOOP!, Dead Outlaw, Death Becomes Her, all these new shows — it is so hard to put on a new show. And as I told Idina, it's so brave of us to take something that is our baby and take a swing at it. And she took a big old swing and as far as I'm concerned, a big old home run. It was a beautiful performance. When I saw it, I was so moved, and I feel like it did not get its due," Kristin emphasizes. "I just have to applaud all the new pieces. It's so hard. I'm facing it myself. I've been working on The Queen of Versailles for several years. It is my baby," she continues. A few months out from beginning rehearsals on the Broadway stage, even the veteran performer experiences nerves. "I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't nervous. You work on something for so long and now I need the baby to be born. Good, bad or ugly." Kristin also gushed about her other baby, her rescue pup Thunder. The proud dog mom is partnering with dog food brand Nom Nom on their new campaign. Starring as "The Enrichment Witch"in a series of short videos, she chose to team up with Nom Nom for a simple reason. "When I saw Thunder eating this food, her whole demeanor was like, 'Oh my gosh this is the best food ever,'" Kristin tells us. "Which then leads into a great walk, which leads into a great playtime and treat time and cuddle time. It's a domino effect." The cockapoo mix also loves walks and chasing squirrels in the park, but she apparently does not love Kristin's newest co-star. "I am working with a dog in Queen of Versailles named Muumi. Muumi is a white Pomeranian, and Thunder and Muumi are not friends. Thunder is very jealous. And she's got to work through that, so wish me luck," Kristin laughs. Dog mom, Glinda, Queen of such an extensive resume, are there any dream roles left on Kristin's Broadway bucket list? "Down the pike, there are roles that I would love to do," she shares. "I certainly love Mame. I'm Auntie Mame in a lot of ways to a lot of kids, to my students and cousins. I also have a really close relationship with my nephew, so that nephew/aunt relationship is close to my heart. And I haven't gotten to see Audra [McDonald] in Gypsy, but that's one role that I would love to play one day. Of course, Hello, Dolly! is another one," she adds. "I also think, is there another part being written right now that I don't know about?" Thank goodness! You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
New York Post
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
NYC penthouse of the 'Queen of Versailles' slashed to $11.9M
The Queen of Versailles' Tribeca penthouse duplex is now on the market for $11.95 million, asking almost half its $19.5 million price in January 2024. Jackie Siegel, 59, and her late husband David Siegel bought the home at 49 Chambers St. for $8.7 million in 2023 — and then listed it for $19.5 million the following year. 'It is a spectacular apartment, but it was an unrealistic price that didn't make sense. You can't overprice in this market,' said current listing broker Thomas Hochfelder, of Douglas Elliman. 9 Jackie Siegel. Getty Images 9 The open eat-in kitchen comes with an extra-long breakfast bar. Rich Caplan 9 A cozy lounge area for entertaining. Rich Caplan The Siegels gained international attention with the construction of their 90,000-square-foot Orlando, Fla., home, known as Versailles. Construction began 21 years ago. It was chronicled in the 2012 award-winning documentary 'The Queen of Versailles,' which is slated to be a Broadway play starring Kristin Chenoweth. That home is still slated to be the country's largest when it is finally completed — but construction was stymied over the years by economic troubles and natural disasters. It is estimated to be worth around $100 million when finished. In April, David, the billionaire founder of Westgate Resorts — the world's largest privately owned timeshare company — died before they could call Versailles home. He was 89 years old. Days later, Jackie's sister Jessica Mallery died of an overdose after taking cocaine laced with fentanyl. She was 43 years old. 9 Jackie Siegel and the late David Siegel. Getty Images for Victoria's Voice Foundation 9 Outside regal 49 Chambers St. Rich Caplan In interviews, Jackie has said she will use Versailles to hold charity events, 'give back' and raise awareness about drug addiction. It's the best way, she said in interviews, to cope with the pain of loss. Jackie and her late husband also lost their 18-year-old daughter Victoria to an overdose in 2015, which spurred Jackie to launch Victoria's Voice Foundation. In Tribeca, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-powder room home is 3,924 square feet and comes with great outdoor space. It's the crown jewel of a landmarked, turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts building. The home opens to a foyer that leads to a great room with living and dining areas that showcase city skyline views. 9 Exquisite views from the abode's terrace. Rich Caplan 9 The residence's elegant open dining area. Rich Caplan The city views continue in the main bedroom suite, which also boasts custom walk-ins and a spa-like marble bath with radiant floors. There are also two additional bedrooms and a home office and laundry room. Design details include custom herringbone floors and high ceilings. An open chef's kitchen — 'with a 20-foot-long marble countertop,' Hochfelder noted — features a sculptural marble staircase that leads to an 850-square-foot landscaped terrace with a summer kitchen, lights and speakers, along with an interior service bar and powder room. 9 One of the home's lovely three bedrooms. Rich Caplan 9 The loving Siegel couple once upon a time. queenofversailles/Instagram The home is primed for entertaining, Jackie told Gimme when the home first hit the market — including hosting events for Victoria's Voice. The limestone and granite building, once the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank, dates to the early 1900s. It was added to the National Historic Registry in 1982 — and converted to condos in 2013. The building's original 'grand banking hall' is now an immersive art space, Hall des Lumières, which hosts art exhibitions with music, plus yoga classes. Building amenities for residents include a landscaped rooftop park with sun decks, indoor/outdoor kitchens, a 50-foot lap pool and a gym.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Florida's Jackie Siegel loses sister within days of husband's death
The Siegel family is a staple of Florida for its business and philanthropic efforts. But tragedy has struck the family twice in a matter of days, and they are now planning two funerals in one week. Just a few days after David Siegel died of cancer at age 89, his wife, Jackie Siegel, learned her sister, Jessica Mallery, died of fentanyl poisoning. She was 43. Mallery was a reality television star whose life was featured alongside David and Jackie Siegel in the documentary 'The Queen of Versailles.' She was dealing with depression and bullying when she died. But Mallory's death will not be in vain, as her organs were donated to help others. Her organs will save eight lives and also help with noncritical needs too. 'She gave her life for all of the people who are now going to live,' Jackie Siegel. Now, Jackie Siegel has lost both her sister and daughter to drug overdoses. Her and David's daughter Victoria died from an overdose in 2016, prompting their mission to combat drug abuse. Together, they founded Victoria's Voice Foundation in her honor to help their mission and fundraise for life-saving causes. Her mission is clear: to save lives. It's a mission that Siegel will continue. 'I feel like I have to turn my pain into purpose, so I have a new beginning right now, so I'm going to spend the rest of my life to save lives,' she said. Now she is trying to stay strong for her 12 children, plus a niece who has lost her mother. Their home will keep the family together, only so much more after the events of the week. 'I feel like I've got these guardian angels looking over me and to give me the strength, and I can't wait to see I'm going to make a difference in this world,' she said. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Fox News
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
'Queen of Versailles' star Jackie Siegel's husband and sister die days apart
Jackie Siegel is mourning the loss of her husband of 25 years, David Siegel, 89, as well as her sister, Jessica Mallery, 43. The two died within days of each other. On Sunday, the Florida socialite, who was featured alongside David in the 2012 documentary "The Queen of Versailles," took to social media to share the news of her husband's death with her nearly 200,000 followers. "I wanted to personally reach out and let you know that my husband, David Alan Siegel, passed away this morning," she wrote on Instagram. "I was lucky enough to share twenty-five wonderful years with David, and together we raised eight incredible children. His life and legacy live on through them all." "To say we are devastated is an understatement. But I find comfort in knowing that Victoria [the couple's late daughter] was there to greet him – the first thing he heard was 'Dad,' followed by a big hug," she wrote. "And of course, Steven [David's son from a previous marriage who died of cancer in 2024] is there too. That thought brings me so much peace." "I know you all loved him too, which is why I wanted to share this with you," she continued. "Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time. It means the world to us. Life is a precious gift from God – and my husband has found his peace with Him. Embrace and cherish every moment – and thank God." According to the Las Vegas Journal-Review, David had been living with cancer prior to his death on April 5 and was surrounded by family when he died. On Tuesday, just three days later, Jackie revealed that her sister had died of an accidental drug overdose. "As I mourn the profound loss of my beloved husband David Siegel, who passed away on April 5 at the age of 89, my world was shattered again yesterday by the unexpected loss of my beautiful sister, Jessica Mallery, 43, to a scourge we as a family sadly know too well – accidental drug overdose," Jackie said in a statement posted to the Victoria's Voice Foundation Instagram page. The foundation was created after David and Jackie's daughter, Victoria, died of an overdose in 2015. "Jessica died after using cocaine laced with fentanyl," she continued. "Her death is another stark reminder of the drug epidemic and fentanyl crisis plaguing our country – and the urgent need to address substance abuse in order to save lives. Our work at Victoria's Voice remains more critical than ever, and in her memory, we will continue to raise awareness and advocate every single day until this form of grief is a distant memory in this country." "Our family appreciates everyone's love, support and prayers, and we ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time," the post concluded. A representative for Jackie did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. "My daughter loved life," Jackie told Fox News Digital of her late daughter in 2019. "She was kind of like a hippie. She didn't care about money, designer clothes or anything like that. She loved to make her own tie-dye shirts and run around barefoot on the beach. She always looked for the good in people. She was just a typical teenager who went to a public school. In front of our faces, she seemed completely sober. She should have won an Academy Award for acting because she appeared drug-free, but she wasn't." Jackie learned of Victoria's personal journal, which chronicled a shocking secret life, after her death. In 2019, Jackie decided to publish Victoria's secret diary in hopes that no other parent would lose their child to drugs as she did. She titled the book, "Victoria's Voice: Our Daughter's Losing Battle with Drug Abuse." "We did not know she was doing drugs," she said. "It happened right under our noses. That's one of the reasons we wanted to get this book out. We want other parents to know that if it can happen to us, it can be happening to them. They really need to open their eyes. Looking back, there were all kinds of warning signs that I wished I knew. Now we want to share them with other parents. "Her dying wish in the form of a text was that she wanted me to find her diary where it was hidden and to publish it because she felt it would help save other teenagers' lives. I just felt I needed to carry on with her legacy. It's been a very difficult thing for me because it's something so personal. I've been a bit of a recluse during these last few years. But I finally have the courage to come out in the public eye." Fox News Digital's Stephanie Nolasco contributed to this post.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Reality Star's Sister Dies in Tragic Accident Days After Husband
Queen of Versailles star Jackie Siegel's sister, Jessica Mallory, has died at age 43 from an accidental drug overdose, according to an Instagram post shared by Siegel on Tuesday. The tragic news comes just days after Siegel's husband, businessman David Siegel, passed away. David Siegel founded Westgate Resorts Ltd., a timeshare resort firm based out of Florida. He and Jackie were the subjects of Lauren Greenfield's 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles, which documented the Siegels' effort to build the largest single-family dwelling in the U.S., dubbed 'the Versailles House,' just as the country's economy began to tank in 2008. David Siegel and Westgate Resorts later filed a lawsuit against Greenfield and the Sundance Institute, which produced the film, alleging that the material therein was defamatory. Despite the controversy, the documentary became a sizable cult hit and even spawned a musical adaptation which premiered on Broadway in 2024 starring Kirsten Chenoweth in the role of Jackie and F. Murray Abraham as David. The Siegels also seemed to appreciate their newfound stardom, going on to appear in episodes of Celebrity Wife Swap and Below Deck."As I mourn the profound loss of my beloved husband David Siegel, who passed away on April 5 at the age of 89, my world was shattered again yesterday by the unexpected loss of my beautiful sister, Jessica Mallery, 43, to a scourge we as a family sadly know too well — [an] accidental drug overdose," Jackie wrote in her emotional post. "Jessica died after using cocaine laced with fentanyl. Her death is another stark reminder of the drug epidemic and fentanyl crisis plaguing our country — and the urgent need to address substance abuse in order to save lives," Siegel continued. "Our work at Victoria's Voice remains more critical than ever, and in her memory, we will continue to raise awareness and advocate every single day until this form of grief is a distant memory in this country." The Siegels founded the Victoria's Voice Foundation and named it after their daughter, who also died of a drug overdose. 'Victoria's Voice seeks to be the trusted national leader in successfully educating and providing the necessary tools for parents and families to take action to prevent substance use disorder and overdose deaths,' its website reads. "To say we are devastated is an understatement,' Jackie wrote of David's passing just days ago. 'But I find comfort in knowing that Victoria was there to greet him — the first thing he heard was 'Dad,' followed by a big hug."
