“Diana, The Musical”: Rising Above in a Time of Crisis

Abstract:

With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent theatrical closures that ensued, Broadway, and the greater theatrical community, was left at a standstill. This project explores how one show in particular, “Diana, the Musical,” worked to survive in such a tumultuous landscape for live entertainment. It is important to recognize that “Diana, the Musical” was already in a difficult environment before the pandemic came into the picture, as the subject of Princess Diana has gone through a resurgence in recent years and has faced never-ending backlash. Building on its unstable footing, the Broadway closures that delayed the musical’s original opening threatened to bring an end to the show. It was the producers’ decision to create a professional recording of the musical that makes the show stand out from the crowd of subpar musicals with stunted runs. As the theatre industry continues to evolve and adapt to the developing technical age, this act of endurance is a stepping stone towards a possible future that brings professional theatre into everyday homes. Many of the sources surrounding this advancement are popular, not academic, as the issue is one of popular criticism and opinion. As this is a contemporary issue, these sources are ideal for creating a new academic argument as opposed to responding to academic sources of the past. This paper takes into consideration theatrical reviews, reports on the pandemic’s toll on the theatre industry, and opinion pieces regarding professional theatrical recordings. It is then evident that Broadway needs to move towards an outlet that allows for a wider audience if it wants to remain a viable modern entertainment source. Being a statistical financial success is not enough anymore; shows must also achieve an audience’s favor to remain relevant. While not critically a masterpiece, “Diana, the Musical” is an example of a camp art piece that will exist digitally available for public consumption for the foreseeable future, an honor that many better quality shows do not get the opportunity to have.