Jeanna de Waal as Diana (Photo: Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade)
She changed the world, and now the world will hear her story one song at a time: the highly-anticipated Diana: The Musical returns to Broadway this fall but will first stream on Netflix starting October 1. Audiences got a taste of the flashy production, directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley (Come From Away), as Netflix recently dropped a new trailer touting the regal musical.
The musical stars Jeanna de Waal as Diana, Princess of Whales, a young woman who became an international fashion icon and beloved royal overnight due to her relationship with Prince Charles and difficult relationship with the Crown. The production also stars Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles, Erin Davie as Camilla Parker Bowles, and Tony Award winner Judy Kaye as Queen Elizabeth II/Barbara Cartland.
The production premiered at La Jolla Playhouse in California in 2019. The musical then transferred to Broadway’s Longacre Theatre, starting previews on March 2, 2020. Diana was meant to open on March 31 but was suspended on March 12 due to COVID-19. Now, the musical will return to the Longacre Theatre and will resume previews on November 2, a month and a day after it premieres on Netflix, and will officially open on November 17. Netflix recorded the production with COVID safety precautions in place in the summer of 2020. The live capture was also directed by Ashley. For safety, no audience was in place.
David Bryan and Joe DiPietro wrote the music and lyrics, with DiPietro providing the book. Ashley’s longtime collaborator Kelly Devine choreographs the production.
In Diana, a princess is thrust onto the world stage. The tabloid media captivated by her beauty and vulnerability. The globe’s most celebrated monarchy disrupted. This is the story of the most famous woman of the modern age as she struggles to endure a spotlight brighter than any the world had ever known. Leading fiercely with her heart, Princess Diana stood up for her family, her country and herself. She defied expectations, she rocked the royals and she created a legacy that will endure forever.
