Nettles Transforms Dark History into Musical

Jennifer Nettles, known for her work in music, has channeled her creative energy into an original musical, 'Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo.' The show is set to open Off-Broadway on Sunday, June 28, for a limited four-week engagement at New York City's Perelman Performing Arts Center.

Nettles was inspired by the historical accounts of Giulia Tofana, a 17th-century woman in Sicily who allegedly provided arsenic-based poison to women seeking to escape abusive marriages. The Grammy and Emmy winner began writing the play during pandemic lockdowns, which eventually evolved into a full musical with Nettles composing the music, lyrics, and book, while also taking on the lead role.

Directed by Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman, the musical explores Tofana's complex legacy. Nettles views Tofana as a warrior, a historical figure who acted with agency to protect herself and her community, acknowledging the moral ambiguities of her actions. The creative process has been an all-encompassing and rewarding experience for Nettles, who collaborated closely with her team.

Nettles drew on her past Broadway experiences in 'Chicago' and 'Waitress' to navigate the demands of originating a new role and production. She also sought advice from Lin-Manuel Miranda on managing multiple creative responsibilities. The production aims to connect with an audience to refine the show further before any potential future aspirations, such as a Broadway run.