Raise your hand if you had tickets to see Diana: A True Musical Story this past spring only to have COVID-19 ruin everything and shut down Broadway—aka the chance to get your royal fix on stage.
Well, we’ve got good news and, er, good news: First, a return date has been set for the musical to make its Broadway debut. (It’s May 25, 2021—and COVID-19, if you mess with this, so help you...)
But that’s not all: Netflix just announced that Diana will premiere on its streaming platform for all to watch just prior to opening night. This means that you’ll have the chance to see the Diana-Charles-Camilla love triangle play out on stage (tastefully, we’re told) from the comfort of your own couch.
Producers explain that all safety precautions will be taken to film the production, too. For one thing, there won’t be a live audience for the taping and all health and safety protocols will be followed as well.
No, it’s not the same as live theater. No, this doesn’t mean you should scrap your plans to see it on stage. (Come on, one listen to this performance by Erin Davis who plays Camilla Parker-Bowles and it’s crystal clear we need to see this in person at some point.) But it is the perfect placeholder as we wait this pandemic out.
Also, the fact that Diana just pulled a Hamilton? Well played, Netflix. Well played.
