Review: Diana The Musical (2021)

Few public figures have inspired as much fascination and scrutiny as Princess Diana. Her story, filled with glamour, tragedy, and resilience, has been told numerous times across various media. In 2021, "Diana The Musical" brought her life story to the stage, and subsequently to the screen via Netflix. As a collector, you might be wondering if this particular rendition of Diana's tale deserves a spot in your collection. Let's dive into what this musical has to offer.

Plot Summary

"Diana The Musical" chronicles the life of Diana Spencer from her early days as a shy nursery school assistant to her emergence as a global icon. The narrative touches on her courtship and marriage to Prince Charles, her struggles with the royal family, and her eventual rise as the 'People's Princess'. The musical seeks to capture the essence of Diana's journey, highlighting her charm, vulnerability, and strength. While it covers familiar territory, it attempts to do so with a theatrical flair that might appeal to fans of musicals or royal histories.

Performances

Performances in "Diana The Musical" are a mixed bag. Jeanna de Waal takes on the challenging role of Diana, bringing enthusiasm and a sense of empathy to the part. She delivers a commendable performance, especially in moments that require portraying Diana's emotional depth and resilience. However, some viewers may find that her portrayal lacks the subtlety and complexity expected from such an iconic figure.

Roe Hartrampf plays Prince Charles, capturing the prince's conflicted nature with a performance that occasionally feels somewhat flat. Erin Davie as Camilla Parker Bowles and Judy Kaye in dual roles as Queen Elizabeth II and Barbara Cartland provide strong support, with Kaye's performance as the Queen being particularly noteworthy for its regal presence and nuance.

Direction and Craft

Under the direction of Christopher Ashley, "Diana The Musical" strives to balance drama with the spectacle expected from a Broadway production. The staging is vibrant, with an array of costumes and set designs that reflect the opulence of royal life. The musical numbers, composed by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro, range from energetic and catchy to overly simplistic. While some songs successfully capture the emotional highs and lows of Diana's life, others may come across as lacking in depth.

Visually, the production benefits from a polished design, though it sometimes struggles to fully convey the intensity of Diana's story. The use of lighting and stage transitions helps in maintaining a dynamic pace, yet the overall execution might leave some viewers wanting more in terms of emotional impact.

Collector's Verdict

For collectors, "Diana The Musical" is a title worth owning if you're interested in royal narratives or Broadway adaptations. The Blu-ray edition provides solid audio-visual quality, making it the best format for those who appreciate the finer details of stage-to-screen adaptations. However, given its availability on streaming platforms, it remains a common item. While it may not be a rare gem, it holds value for those who seek to explore different interpretations of Diana's life.

In summary, "Diana The Musical" is an ambitious attempt to bring the life of one of the most beloved figures of the 20th century to the stage and screen. It offers a mix of performances and production quality that may appeal to collectors who appreciate theatrical portrayals of historical figures. As a piece in a collection, it sits comfortably among other adaptations of Diana's story, providing a unique musical perspective on her life.