Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth has broken her silence regarding the premature closure of her musical Queen of Versailles, which concluded two months ahead of schedule on 4th January. The early shutdown followed significant public backlash against the performer for her online tribute to right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
Addressing the Controversy and Show's Demise
From her dressing room, the 57-year-old Wicked icon reflected on the production's challenges. 'I just want to say that I'm so proud of this new art that we've created,' Chenoweth stated. 'It's getting harder and harder to do, so I think about all the shows in the past couple of seasons that have come and gone that, you know, not everybody got to see. I just love Broadway so much, and I love audiences and a live art form.'
The triple-threat Tony winner went on to express gratitude toward patrons who had attended performances since previews began on 8th October at Midtown Manhattan's St. James Theatre.
The Political Backlash That Preceded Closure
The controversy originated on 10th September when Chenoweth publicly mourned the death of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old activist, known for opposing gay rights, was shot while launching his 15-date American Comeback Tour.
Chenoweth, who describes herself as a 'non-judgmental, liberal Christian,' wrote at the time: 'I'm. So. Upset. Didn't always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still.' She added: 'Such a sad, senseless, and disgusting act! Wow... prayers for the Kirk family and prayers for our nation.'
Her comments prompted disappointment from many LGBTQAI+ fans who had long supported her career. The suspected gunman, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, faces multiple charges including murder and is being held without bond in Utah County Jail, awaiting a preliminary hearing on 16th January.
Moving Forward After Difficult Period
When questioned by THR on 3rd November about the backlash, Chenoweth revealed she had voted for Kamala Harris and acknowledged the personal toll. 'It was tough on me, but I'm not going to answer any questions about it because I dealt with it. It nearly broke me, and that's all I'm going to say. You probably know my heart, so you probably know,' she commented.
Queen of Versailles marked Chenoweth's return to Broadway musicals after a decade-long absence, following her performance in On the Twentieth Century. The production, in development since 2020, was a stage adaptation by Michael Arden of Lauren Greenfield's 2012 documentary. It chronicled socialite Jackie Siegel's ambition to inhabit a $100 million mega-mansion, featuring music by Stephen Schwartz and Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham portraying billionaire David Siegel.
Concluding her thoughts about the Broadway community, Chenoweth encouraged theatre attendance: 'We'd love to see you here. And also, go ahead and get a ticket to any Broadway show because Broadway is the best. You have a live performance art form, and there's nothing better than to look out and share an experience with an audience.'
Looking ahead, the Emmy winner has multiple projects underway, including an untitled NBC church choir sitcom pilot and her role as cheerleading coach Tammy Istiny in the mockumentary series Stumble, which resumes on 5th December.
