Diana: The Musical, which was supposed to debut on Broadway last March but was cancelled due to the coronavirus, has announced a Netflix premiere date as well as plans for a reopening on Broadway. The musical will be available on Netflix on October 1st. Previews will resume at the Longacre Theatre on Wednesday, December 1, awaiting government acceptance and accordance with health and safety standards. Opening night is scheduled for Thursday, December 16.
The musical features a book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, and music and lyrics by David Bryan — the writers behind the Tony-winning musical Memphis. Olivier winner and Tony nominee Kelly Devine is the choreographer, and Tony winner Christopher Ashley directs.
Diana is voiced by Jeanna de Waal, with Prince Charles played by Roe Hartrampf, Camilla Parker Bowles played by Erin Davie, and Queen Elizabeth played by Judy Kaye, a two-time Tony Award winner. Zach Adkins, Tessa Alves, Ashley Andrews, and Austen are among the cast members. Andre Jordan, Gareth Keegan, Nathan Lucrezio, Toms Matos, Chris Medlin, Laura Stracko, and Bethany Ann Tesarck. Danielle Bohmer, Holly Ann Butler, Stephen Carrasco, Bruce Dow, Richard Gatta, Lauren E.J. Hamilton, Emma Hearn, Shaye B. Hopkins, Andre Jordan, Gareth Keegan, Nathan Lucrezio, Toms Matos, Chris Medlin, Laura Stracko
The following is how Diana is described: "The princess was thrown onto the international stage. Her exquisite looks and astonishing insecurity captivated the gossip papers. The world's most powerful dynasty is on the verge of collapse. This is the storey of the new era's most popular woman as she attempts to deal with a spotlight bigger than any the world has ever seen. She exceeded standards, stunned the royals, and conquered the hearts of her country by leading in her own voice. Diana, Princess of Wales, left an indelible mark on history."
The musical started previews on March 2, but due to the pandemic, performances were halted on March 12.
New York City Unveils Plan to Reopen Broadway, With Testing and Vaccination Centers for Theater Employees
Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City has announced the start of a campaign to reopen Broadway and off-Broadway by this fall. New York City will launch dedicated Covid-19 vaccine sites for the theatre community on Broadway in the coming weeks, as well as a mobile vaccination unit for off-Broadway staff. These locations will be run by veterans of the theatre industry. In addition, the city is partnering with the Broadway group to create strategies for crowd control before and after performances and will set up pop-up COVID-19 training sites near the main theatres.
De Blasio is also urging the state of New York to issue recommendations for theatre staff on how to wear masks and how to use evidence of vaccination or unfavorable tests to ensure that anyone will return to work and that crowds can return in the fall. Tony nominee André De Shields and Broadway veteran Telly Leung were among the performers who attended the mayor's press conference. In the coming weeks, more information about the proposal will be published. De Blasio said, "We will move heaven and earth to get Broadway alive."
