‘Diana: A New Musical’ to premiere on Netflix

In a Broadway first, ‘Diana: A New Musical’ will premiere on Netflix, ahead of its 2021 debut. 

The musical, which centres on the life of Princess Diana, originally closed due to COVID-19 prior to its opening night. While a new Broadway opening was scheduled for 25 May 2021, audiences will now have a chance to witness the story on the popular live-streamed service. 

The announcement was made today by producers Grove Entertainment (Beth Marshall), Frank Marshall and The Araca Group. In a joint statement, they expressed their excitement to finally showcase the production to audiences everywhere. 

“We speak for the entire company when we say that we couldn’t be more excited to finally be able to share our show with theatre lovers everywhere. Though there is no substitute for the live theatre, we are honoured to be a part of the quality entertainment that Netflix provides its subscribers worldwide.”

Directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley (‘Come From Away’), ‘Diana: A New Musical’ will be filmed without an audience at the Longacre Theatre. It will feature the original Broadway cast including Jeanna de Waal as Diana, Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles, Erin Davie as Camilla Parker Bowles and two-time Tony Award winner Judy Kaye as Queen Elizabeth.

The complete cast of Diana includes Tessa Alves, Zach Adkins, Ashley Andrews, Austen 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, Tomás Matos, Chris Medlin, Laura Stracko, and Bethany Ann Tesarck.

‘Diana: A New Musical’ showcases the story of one of the 20th century’s most compelling figures, with book and lyrics by Joe DiPetro and music and lyrics by David Bryan, the same writing team behind Tony Award-winning musical ‘Memphis’. The musical is choreographed by Kelly Devine (‘Come From Away’) with music supervision and arrangements by Olivier Award winner Ian Eisendrath (‘Come From Away’).

Due to the pandemic, most productions have been forced to think digital. It comes after the news of Tom Hanks’ movie ‘Greyhound’ to premiere online on Apple TV+ and the successful release of the live musical ‘Hamilton’ on Disney+. Netflix has previously streamed productions like Bruce Springsteen’s one-man Broadway show and adapted Broadway’s ‘Boys in the Band’ into a movie. 

While no official date for the Netflix premiere has been announced, the recording will be released sometime next year and prior to its rescheduled opening. The production and producers will work closely with the Actor’s Equity Association to follow all safety protocols during filming.