What: Guilia: The Poison Queen of Palmero
Where: Pereleman Performing Arts Center
PAC NYC
251 Fulton St.
New York, NY
Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up
When: Through August 2, 2026
Guilia: The Poison Queen of Palermo is a new musical inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana, a woman who allegedly set up a ring supplying poison to women who wanted to murder their abusive or inconvenient spouses. The show was written by Jennifer Nettles, who also stars as Giulia. Originally known as half of the country duo Sugarland, she has since proven to be quite the multi-hyphenate, having acted in numerous projects in addition to performing and writing music. Her portrayal of Giulia somehow manages to be both extremely fierce and touchingly tenderhearted.
The show is full of lively music and dancing. Although the songs don't necessarily stick in your head, they are quite enjoyable. Standouts include the electrifying opening number, "Welcome to Palmero," which immediately pulls you fully into the story, the wistfully tender ballad of regret, "Next Time," and the slyly amusing "I Always Get What I Want". The latter is sung by the marvelous Didi Romero, who provides much-needed comic relief in her delightful turn as the spoiled Duchessa. Naomi Serrano is also particularly good as Gulia's daughter, Vitoria. Her eyes speak volumes, and her outer core of sweetness and innocence belies a hidden inner strength. Although, on the whole, the performances are good.
The set is deceptively simple. It seems like just a bunch of doors, but you never know what is going to lie behind or within those doors. The costumes are beautiful, and each gown is craftily adorned with the picture of a poisonous flower.
The show is surprisingly relatable to today, with women's rights seemingly always at issue. There are definitely aspects of the story that may not always be easy to take. However, this is also what makes it so relevant and important.
And that's our view. For more about Guilia: The Poison Queen of Palmero or to purchase tickets, visit pacnyc.org/whats-on/giulia
Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.
Photo credits:
All Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palmero production photos by Andy Henderson
Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or PR firms and are used by permission. Any Concerns regarding image usage can be addressed here.
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