So 'witch' was worse, Redwood or Queen of Versailles?

Redwood definitely had a stronger score than Queen of Versailles. However, I had a much better time at Queen of Versailles than I did at Redwood...

The Queen of Versailles is a million times better than Redwood. Versailles is a book musical with a dramatic score. Standout songs include Caviar Dreams, Little Houses, Pretty Wins, This is Not the Way my Movie Ends, that song where she’s becoming a personality, watch? Redwood is more of a concept musical with pop songs.

I thought all of that was half assed honestly. The monologue at the end when she reveals what happened to the son felt way more elitist than anything I saw in Versailles. Both have kids who die of drug overdoses, Idina comes across as a Karen the entire way through, and puts her entitled kid on a plane to LA.


Kristin Chenoweth plays it like she wants this big house full of friends and family and pets, she even takes in her brother’s kid and treats her like her own. On top of the fact that she started from nothing.

EDSOSLO858 said: "I’d also like to add that I appreciate how REDWOOD treated the theme of child loss and how painful it can beforparents (miscarriage or not). Tina Landau has said before that the Spencer character was inspired byher cousin, who took his own life early in the pandemic.

Hopefully people that may be grieving someone or something discover this show + musicin the future and know they’re not alone."

On the other hand, I know many people who would avoid a musical about losing someone, especially a child. I can't speak to the current plays, but I think people want escapism in terms of their musicals especially since last January, when Redwood opened. Has there ever been a long running, successful Broadway show that ever opened in January?

Both women love creating new material, but both of these shows were actively bad. However, if they get together for a concert, it will sell incredibly well. Both women are popular, but when the shows suck that will never matter.

I fully get and understand exactly what you are talking about RE: the final lines leading up to "Still". The piano underscoring, Idina an emotional wreck talking to someone that isn't real. You just know that it was tearing her apart not knowing whether it was an accident or something and the relief when the son says "It was an accident". Idk, I have been through a lot of **** myself, I don't really think anyone that is obsessed with musical theatre are the kind of people that haven't been through trauma so I really get it. Those high "Still" notes are like a cathartic release.

A lot of the show gave me next to normal vibes and Tom Kitt I didn't even realise was actually involved in the music production in some way.

Sometimes shows get so panned that it becomes embarrassing to say you're a fan of the material or even suggest it's good but I think the scores for Redwood, Lempicka and Boop for example are some of the best new scores I have heard in years and years.

Updated On: 11/25/25 at 03:11 PM

Sutton Ross said: "Has there ever been a long running, successful Broadway show that ever opened in January?"

Curiously enough, The Phantom of the Opera opened in January, so the answer is yes. I know that's almost 40 years ago now, so it doesn't much affect your point.