Diana A True Musical Story- Page 3

[grumpyoptimist]

Posted: 2/28/20 at 1:58am

msmp said: "Taking my mom to the first preview on Monday because we had a slot to fill on our trip and she's always been a huge Princess Di fan. I'm not super enthused but I'm going in with an open mind. Did I read/hear right that they have Judy Kaye play Barbara Cartland at some point in the show, not just QEII?"

Yes.  And Judy Kaye is (or was in La Jolla) the most compelling actor onstage.  Probably followed by Erin Davie as Camilla.  And many would regard that as a problem...

[Ladylusiphur]

Posted: 2/28/20 at 7:37am

It just seems like such a weird premise for a musical. If the story was unfamiliar enough that we believed in the fairytale romance aspect enough to be surprised when it all comes crashing down, then I guess that would make for an interesting enough story. Sadly, most people attending will know from the beginning how it works out, so actually it's got to come across as a bit depressing throughout. If they were doing a play, maybe showing some new point of view then I could get it, but a musical? It's bizarre. 

If you're doing a tragic musical it should be either funny enough to detract from the heartache, like Blood Brothers, or epic enough to sweep you away, like Les Mis. I don't imagine her life story to be either of those. Will be interested to see how long this one lasts. 

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 2/28/20 at 1:12pm

Often times the supporting characters are more interesting than the leads, but I agree. Saw this in La Jolla, and while I found it entertaining, it didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know about her. Her life was an open book, and they pretty much relied on those open pages for this story.

[Tom5]

Posted: 2/29/20 at 12:48pm

I doubt the average American has any strong (or weak) interest in a Diana Musical ("Who is she again?" Perhaps a deep pockets anglophile producer has been projecting. However, if the actress playing Diana has great charisma (ala' Audrey Hepburn) all bets are off and it could be a huge hit. And DIANA would be the perfect title. But IMO that would be a must.