In 1774, Marie Antoinette ascended to the throne as Queen of France and, for much of her reign, lived in the sprawling palace at Versailles. In 2000, socialite Jackie Siegel — who has insisted upon her own place in American royalty — visited the 18th-century palace and was inspired to build her own Versailles — in Florida. Siegel’s quest to build the largest home in America was captured in the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles. Now, in 2025, Siegel has taken up residence on Broadway as the leading character in a musical of the same name.
Director Michael Arden and book writer Lindsey Ferrentino tell Siegel’s story — one of great ambition and love of material beauty — in parallel to that of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI’s French court. For acclaimed fashion designer turned Broadway costume designer Christian Cowan, this conceit created the opportunity not only to create ostentatious looks for the character of Jackie, but to also craft his version of 18th-century courtesans, including Marie Antoinette.
“She was a true fashion icon,” said Cowan. “She was a forward-thinking person. She set all the trends for everyone...READ MORE