Broadway’s ‘The Queen of Versailles’ Struggles to Find Its Voice
Broadway’s latest musical, The Queen of Versailles, featuring Kristin Chenoweth, has opened at the St. James Theatre but is already facing criticism for its unfinished feel. Based on the 2012 documentary about socialite Jackie Siegel‘s ambitious project to construct America’s largest private residence, the show struggles with its tone, oscillating between admiration and ridicule. Critics note that it fails to address the significant issue of wealth inequality, particularly in a context influenced by the socio-political climate of recent years.
Despite a prior tryout in Boston, the production has not yet hit its stride, with Mark Kennedy from the Associated Press describing it as a work in progress. The show features extravagant elements typical of Broadway but lacks memorable musical numbers that could resonate with audiences.
Box Office Highlights and New Releases
In other entertainment news, the film Predator: Badlands has debuted at the top of the North American box office with a remarkable $40 million opening weekend. This performance sets a new record for the franchise, surpassing the $38.3 million opening of Alien vs. Predator in 2004. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the film has also earned an additional $40 million internationally, demonstrating strong appeal amidst a challenging market.
While Die My Love and Christy, both new releases, struggled to make an impact, Sarah’s Oil emerged as the most successful newcomer in recent weeks.
CreatiVets’ New Initiative for Veterans
In Nashville, the nonprofit organization CreatiVets is transforming an abandoned church into a creative arts center for veterans. This facility will not only host the organization’s programs, such as its songwriting initiative that pairs veterans with local artists, but it will also serve as a gathering place for veterans 24/7. Co-founder Richard Casper, a Purple Heart recipient, emphasized the importance of providing creative outlets for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This initiative received significant support from actor and philanthropist Gary Sinise, who contributed funding through his Gary Sinise Foundation.
Honoring Remarkable Achievements
In literary news, Salman Rushdie is set to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Dayton Literary Peace Prize event in Ohio. This acknowledgment follows his first fictional publication since the 2022 attack that left him partially blinded. The awards recognize not only literary excellence but also the promotion of peace through literature.
Additionally, Cyndi Lauper recently made headlines at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where she performed her anthem “True Colors.” Along with her, Salt-N-Pepa celebrated the power of women in music with their classic hits. The event was filled with tributes to numerous artists, including heartfelt speeches from Big Boi and Andre 3000 of Outkast, and emotional remembrances of Chris Cornell from Soundgarden.
Furthermore, Irving Locker, a 101-year-old World War II veteran, has recently entered the music scene as a songwriter, with his song “If Freedom Was Free” released under the Big Machine Label Group. Locker, who resides in Florida, expresses his gratitude for life and finds joy in sharing his experiences through music.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, these stories highlight the vibrant and diverse experiences shaping the industry today.
