Helen Shaw…You’re wrong! Prior to going to see this production at Theo Theater, I checked to see where it had played and looked at reviews. “Diana, The Musical” played in New York City just before the Pandemic closed down live theater. Helen Shaw, an NYC reviewer said this… “ “Diana The Musical” is almost as bad as her (Princess Diana) marriage!” I had low expectations after reading Ms. Shaw’s review. And, what a nice surprise… I loved it!
Theo’s presentation of “Diana, The Musical” tells the story, musically and contemporarily, of Princess Diana’s entry into the British Monarchy. Initially it is a fairy tale come true. Then, Diana’s naivety, kindness and spirit are dashed by The Royal Family.
While it is commonly known that The Prince is having an affair with married Camilla, Diana finally becomes aware. This and the Monarchy stress are just too much but she will not let her kind spirit die. She wants to help the helpless; by doing so, she embarrasses The Prince and The Queen herself, with her “common people” deeds.
I thought that the balance of telling Diana’s tense and dramatic true story, the contemporary musical delivery, and the comic relief, were just perfect. The “neighborhood” acting was “downtown” level. The standouts were Kate McQuilan, playing Diana and Jacqualine Grandt, playing BOTH Queen Elzabeth and Barbara Cartland. The “sleeper” performance was Jon Parker Jackson playing Paul Burrell, Diana’s, man-servant. I actually watched the NYC “Pandemic” video presentation after Theo’s and felt these three Theo performers were far superior.
There were some wonderful poignant moments which included Diana’s first encounter with the public, her visit to a hospital to meet Aids patients, the The Queen’s brief and quick lived admission of her younger spirit when she first married her husband and they were living on base (expressed in the song “An Officer’s Wife”). Other fun and comic relief moments came from Barabara Cartland, Diana’s favorite romance novelist, fantasy appearances. My favorite was Diana’s interplay with Paul in their “unless” routine. This leads into the “F_ck You” dress number where Diana was at the peak of her rebellious behavior.
The ending recaps Diana’s stressful yet amazing life to her death, and is handled with grace. Shoutouts go to Joe Pietro and David Bryan’s musical score and the musical direction of Carolyn Brady and Kev Zhou; Orchestration was note perfect. All of these components come together through the expert co-direction of Fred Anzevino and Brenda Didier.
Sadly, Fred passed away in April. Our deepest sympathies go out to all at Theo.
“Diana, The Musical” is very highly recommended and plays at “Theo”, 721 Howard St. Evanston, until July 6, 2025. See www,Theo-U.com for more details and ticket information.