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Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo is a new musical with a book, music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Jennifer Nettles. The production is based on the life of Giulia Tofana, an Italian woman in 1650s Palermo who creates a deadly poison ring after her act of self-defense goes awry. The production is set to make its world premiere Off-Broadway in 2026 at the Perelman Performing Arts Center, directed by Mary Zimmerman and starring Nettles as Giulia.

Plot

The plot is loosely based on the true story of Italian apothecary Giulia Tofana who, after an act of self-defense, becomes embroiled in controversy and conspiracy. To protect herself and other women, she begins distributing the tasteless, traceless arsenic-based poison known as Aqua Tofana. Like so many plays that feature women who kill, the musical explores Giulia's fight against a patriarchal justice system, male abuse, and the power of women's bonds.

Production history

As early as January 2025, following her run in Waitress on Broadway, Jennifer Nettles began working on a new musical about a Giulia Tofana, with an initial premiere date of November 25, 2025. Mandy Moore was announced as choreographer.

After delays, the production was ultimately announced to be making its Off-Broadway world premiere at the Perelman Arts Center in 2026. Previews began on June 28, 2026, with an opening set for July 10, and originally set to run through July 26, 2026. It is now set to close on August 2, 2026. Directed by Mary Zimmerman, the production will star Jennifer Nettles as Giulia, Matthew Amira as Carlo, Quentin Earl Darrington as Cardinale, Emily Fink as Maria, Andrew Kober as Pietro, Bre Jackson as La Capitana, amid an ensemble cast. Austin McCormick will replace Moore as choreographer, with set design by Daniel Ostling, costume design by Ana Kuzmanić, lighting design by T.J. Gerckens, sound design by Palmer Hefferan, hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe and orchestrations by Cian McCarthy.

Cast and characters