Quick Read
- Kristin Chenoweth stars as Jackie Siegel in the new Broadway musical ‘The Queen of Versailles’ opening November 9.
- Her costumes, designed by Christian Cowan, blend Rococo opulence with Y2K style and bold colors.
- Chenoweth reunited with Idina Menzel and film stars for a special ‘Wicked’ performance at the Dolby Theatre.
- She appears as Tammy Istiny in NBC’s comedy series ‘Stumble’, playing a recurring rival coach role.
- Chenoweth’s versatility shines across stage and screen in 2025.
Kristin Chenoweth Returns: Broadway’s Daring ‘Queen of Versailles’
Kristin Chenoweth, the Tony and Emmy-winning dynamo, is back in the Broadway spotlight with a role that’s as outrageous as it is compelling. In the new musical The Queen of Versailles, officially opening November 9, Chenoweth steps into the towering heels of Jackie Siegel—the real-life socialite determined to build America’s largest home. This isn’t just another glitzy performance. It’s a transformation, one where Chenoweth channels Siegel’s blend of ambition, eccentricity, and vulnerability, bringing a documentary legend to the stage.
Designer Christian Cowan, tasked with creating Jackie’s wardrobe, didn’t shy away from excess. Rococo splendor meets Y2K flair in costumes that mix Barbie-pink mini dresses, teal marabou gowns, and faux Hermès “Birkins” in every color of the rainbow. Cowan’s vision was clear: he wanted Chenoweth to look “like this exotic bird among pigeons.” The challenge wasn’t just about fashion—it was about function, ensuring Chenoweth could manage breathless quick-changes and high-energy numbers. “Sometimes, she only has 20 seconds to change,” Cowan explained to Vogue. The result? A wardrobe that’s as much a spectacle as the story itself.
But beneath the rhinestones and velvet, Chenoweth’s portrayal digs into the darker side of the American dream. Jackie Siegel’s mansion—a real, 90,000-square-foot project—becomes a metaphor for aspiration, greed, and the search for meaning behind the glitter. Throughout the show, historical figures like Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI wander in, their own opulent costumes paralleling Siegel’s excess. The message is clear: fantasy and reality are never far apart on the stage, and Chenoweth balances them with wit and warmth.
‘Wicked’: A Legendary Reunion and Unseen Magic
While Chenoweth conquers new ground on Broadway, her legacy with Wicked continues to resonate. At the recent taping of Wicked: One Wonderful Night at the Dolby Theatre, fans were treated to a rare behind-the-scenes look at the musical’s enduring magic. Chenoweth joined fellow original star Idina Menzel and movie leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for a moving performance of “For Good.” This intergenerational collaboration bridged the gap between Broadway’s past and Hollywood’s future, reminding audiences of Chenoweth’s pivotal role in shaping Elphaba and Glinda’s story.
But what viewers didn’t see were the moments of camaraderie and meticulous artistry that go into every note. From multiple takes of “Defying Gravity” to audience members learning choreography for “No One Mourns the Wicked,” the night was filled with spontaneous joy and disciplined craft. As reported by Variety, the event highlighted not just star power, but the community that makes Broadway thrive. Chenoweth’s presence—joyful, generous, and unmistakably authentic—anchored the celebration, blending nostalgia with new energy.
From Stage to Screen: ‘Stumble’ and the Art of Rivalry
Chenoweth isn’t content to stay in one lane. This year, she brings her comic timing to NBC’s Stumble, a mockumentary series about a disgraced cheer coach and her misfit squad. As Tammy Istiny, Chenoweth plays the former assistant coach turned rival, sparking competitive sparks and plenty of laughs. The show, created by Liz Astrof and Jeff Astrof, combines the workplace satire of The Office with the underdog heart of Parks and Recreation.
Stumble stands out for its single-camera style and talking-head interviews, giving Chenoweth ample room to play with irony and exuberance. While she’s not the main lead, her recurring role as Tammy brings a dose of Broadway bravado to network TV, reminding viewers that reinvention is always possible. As noted by Reelgood, the series is family-friendly, balancing slapstick with themes of redemption and self-respect.
It’s a testament to Chenoweth’s versatility: whether she’s trading barbs in a gym or belting out an anthem in a theater, her performances are rooted in a profound understanding of character and craft.
What Drives Kristin Chenoweth?
Why does Chenoweth keep returning to such varied—and demanding—roles? For some actors, typecasting is inevitable. For Chenoweth, it’s almost a dare. Each new project is a leap: from the high-wire glamour of Queen of Versailles to the iconic melodies of Wicked, and the comedic chaos of Stumble. Her choices reflect a willingness to embrace risk, to find the humanity inside spectacle, and to make audiences feel seen.
And while her star status is secure, Chenoweth’s approach remains refreshingly collaborative. Designers, directors, and fellow cast members speak of her warmth and professionalism. Christian Cowan described her as “a game collaborator,” eager to help shape every costume and scene for the good of the story. In ensemble performances, she lifts others, ensuring that every moment—whether center stage or supporting—feels meaningful.
That’s the magic behind the curtain: Chenoweth’s talent isn’t just in her voice or presence, but in her ability to make theatrical dreams real, for herself and for those around her.
Looking Ahead: Chenoweth’s Lasting Impact
As 2025 unfolds, Chenoweth’s influence on Broadway, television, and pop culture is more visible than ever. Her performances challenge assumptions about what musical theater can be, pushing boundaries and inviting audiences to reconsider the stories we tell about ambition, rivalry, and redemption.
Whether she’s dazzling in sequins or sparking laughter in a sitcom, Chenoweth proves that great acting is about transformation—not just of character, but of perspective. Her work in The Queen of Versailles asks us to look beyond luxury to the cost of chasing dreams. Her reunions with Wicked legends remind us of the power of legacy and friendship. And her turn in Stumble brings Broadway wit to a new generation of TV viewers.
Kristin Chenoweth’s 2025 is a masterclass in reinvention and relevance. By embracing roles that challenge and amuse, she shows that true artistry is not about repeating what works—it’s about finding new meaning in every performance, and daring audiences to do the same.