What's happened
A new musical based on Jackie Siegel's story and her Florida Versailles replica is still in development and has received harsh reviews. Critics cite a weak foundation, poor storytelling, and lack of clarity about Siegel's character, with the production considered a careless failure. The show remains unfinished as of November 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The musical's failure reveals deeper issues in translating real-life stories into stage productions. Critics argue the foundation is fundamentally flawed, with a lack of narrative clarity and character development. The decision to focus on Siegel's complex persona is mishandled, resulting in a show that is more camp than compelling. The production's ongoing construction and poor reviews suggest it will struggle to find a future on Broadway. This failure underscores the risks of attempting to capitalize on sensational stories without a solid creative vision. The timing, amid economic disparities and a post-crisis climate, makes the show's missteps more glaring, as it misses the opportunity to offer meaningful commentary or entertainment.
What the papers say
The AP News highlights the unfinished set and the show's developmental status, emphasizing its lack of polish. The NY Post offers a scathing critique, describing the production as misguided and a wrecking ball to taste, questioning the purpose behind the show and its connection to the real Jackie Siegel's story. Both sources agree that the production is a failure, with the AP News noting its ongoing construction and the NY Post criticizing its lack of coherence and depth. The contrasting tone underscores the show's troubled state, with AP focusing on the production's current status and NY Post on its artistic shortcomings.
How we got here
The musical is inspired by Jackie Siegel's rise from a blue-collar background to a wealthy socialite, and her obsession with building a Versailles replica in Florida. It is based on a documentary made after the 2008 financial crisis, highlighting themes of wealth disparity. The production has faced delays and criticism, with the set still under construction and reviews describing it as poorly executed.
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Jacqueline "Jackie" Siegel is an American socialite, model, actress and beauty pageant director. She is one of the main subjects of the 2012 documentary film The Queen of Versailles, directed by Lauren Greenfield.
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