New Princess Diana Musical Is Set to Premiere on Netflix Before Broadway
Royal fans won’t have to wait for Broadway theaters to re-open their doors to get a good seat for the upcoming musical based on Princess Diana’s life. Instead, we’ll be able to enjoy the play from the comfort of our own couches.
Producers announced that Diana will be available to stream on Netflix early next year. Although there is no specific premiere date as of this writing, it is expected to air months before the currently re-scheduled stage debut on May 25, 2021.
The play, which chronicles Diana’s relationship with Prince Charles from their courtship to their divorce, was in previews this March just before Broadway (and the rest of the country) shutdown due to the pandemic. According to Deadline, this announcement will make it the first ever Broadway production to appear on television screens before an official stage opening.
“We speak for the entire company when we say that we couldn’t be more excited to finally be able share our show with theater lovers everywhere,” producers wrote in their statement. “Though there is no substitute for the live theater, we are honored to be a part of the quality entertainment that Netflix provides its subscribers worldwide.”
The Netflix production will be recorded without an audience in attendance and with a safety plan laid out for the performers and crew by the Actor’s Equity Association. According to the Deadline report, precautions will include regular testing for the virus and HVAC ventilation throughout the Longacre Theater where it’s being filmed.
The announcement definitely reflects the way our world is changing in light of the ongoing pandemic. That said, we can’t help but love the idea of a Broadway musical debut being more accessible to those who wouldn’t be able to make the trip to NYC regardless of COVID-19 getting in the way. And we’ll be keeping an eye out for that premiere date!
Take a look below for a sneak peek of one of the musical’s songs, performed by the star stepping into Diana’s shoes, Jeanna de Waal:
