Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre - "DIANA the musical is coming to London..."

Release Date: June 15, 2023

In this episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Micky Jo delves deep into the latest developments surrounding "Diana the Musical", its controversial journey on Broadway, and its upcoming UK concert premiere. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction to "Diana the Musical"

Micky Jo begins the episode with excitement about the unexpected news that "Diana the Musical", previously deemed a Broadway flop, is making its way to London. He expresses his initial disbelief and sets the stage for a comprehensive analysis of the musical's history and future.

"Diana the Musical, the car. Wait, I can't call it a car crash. The disastrous Broadway flop has officially announced that it will be performed in London."
[00:00]

2. Background of the Musical

Providing context, Micky Jo outlines the narrative of the musical, which chronicles Princess Diana's rise to fame, her tumultuous marriage to Prince Charles, and her untimely death. He touches upon the complex relationship the British public has with the monarchy and Diana's enduring legacy.

"Broadly, there is a lot of love and reverence for Princess Diana, who, aside from anything else, has also become something of a gay icon."
[04:30]

3. Broadway Production and Reception

Micky Jo recounts the musical's ill-fated Broadway run. Despite its high-profile cast and pre-pandemic previews in March 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the show's premature closure. The subsequent Netflix recording, intended to preserve the production, was met with widespread criticism and Razzie Awards, further tarnishing its reputation.

"Nothing like legitimate or big or commercial was ever going to come out of this because there is just too much reverence for Diana."
[02:15]

Despite initial negative reactions, Micky Jo shares his personal journey of reevaluating the musical, eventually appreciating its campy charm and quality entertainment value.

"I started re listening to it ironically, I put it on my running playlist and then I started to listen to it unironically."
[10:45]

4. Shift in Micky Jo's Perspective

Initially critical, Micky Jo admits his growing fondness for the musical, comparing it to other beloved camp classics. He emphasizes the show's ability to balance silliness with drama, making it an enjoyable watch despite its flaws.

"They are both high camp silliness that I enjoy for their drama and their lavishness and their ridiculousness, honestly."
[12:30]

5. UK Concert Production Details

a. Venue Selection

The announcement that "Diana the Musical" will premiere at the Eventim Apollo Theatre in Hammersmith raised eyebrows due to the venue's unconventional choice for musicals. Micky Jo speculates that this decision was likely to distance the production from royal-affiliated West End theaters.

"They have had to go to the Eventum Apollo in order to avoid any royal connections with the venue."
[18:20]

b. Casting Announcements

Micky Jo discusses the notable casting choices:

• Maya Kwanzaa Breed as Diana Spencer (younger Diana), marking a significant step as the first performer of color in the role.

  "She has a fantastic voice and I guess this will also make her the first performer of colour to get to play the role of Diana."
  [20:55]

• Kerry Ellis as Diana, Princess of Wales (older Diana), a seasoned West End performer known for her roles in "Elphaba", "My Fair Lady", and "Les Misérables". Micky Jo highlights this casting as a pivotal move for Ellis, offering her a role with deep emotional vulnerability.

  "Diana is a huge pivot for her because not really since Fantine do I feel like she's had the chance to play anything with such a level of vulnerability."
  [22:10]

• Denise Welch as The Queen, whose casting adds a layer of campiness to the production. Micky Jo humorously connects Welch's personal life to the role.

  "She's the mother of Taylor Swift's most recent ex boyfriend, which I guess makes Taylor Swift the Diana in that situation to Denise Welsh's Queen."
  [24:00]

He also speculates on the possibility of additional star-studded casting to enhance the concert's appeal.

6. Analysis and Concerns

Micky Jo raises several points of consideration regarding the UK production:

• Venue Constraints: The Eventim Apollo's nature as a concert venue may limit the musical's staging capabilities, potentially stripping away the elaborate costuming and visual flair that contributed to the Netflix recording's charm.

  "My one reluctance is that concerts like these tend to be very thinly staged... you really notice the material. And that is not necessarily where Diana's greatest strength is."
  [28:45]

• Public Reception: He expresses uncertainty about how UK audiences will receive the musical, given its critical stance on the monarchy and Diana's complex legacy.

  "I really don't know how UK audiences are going to react to this one."
  [29:30]

• Potential for West End Run: While the current production is limited to a one-night concert, Micky Jo entertains the possibility, albeit cautiously, of a future West End run if the concert garners positive attention.

  "Do I think that this could lead to some kind of a West End run? I mean, I really wouldn't bet on it, but I also wouldn't have had this on my bingo card for 2023."
  [26:15]

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, Micky Jo remains cautiously optimistic about the UK concert version of "Diana the Musical". He anticipates potential casting updates and encourages listeners to share their thoughts and plans regarding the show. He emphasizes the importance of waiting until December to fully gauge the production's impact.

"We'll have to wait until December. In the meantime, I eagerly await more casting who will be Camilla? Who will be Prince Charles?"
[31:50]

Micky Jo invites audience engagement, urging fans to subscribe to his YouTube channel for more theatre-related content and to join discussions in the comments section.

"What do you think about Diana the Musical? Are you from the US? Are you from the UK? Are you planning on going to see it? Let me know."
[33:20]

Notable Quotes:

• "Pretty, pretty girl in a pretty, pretty dress."
  [12:05]

• "This is absolutely gonna fall off my head."
  [00:20]

• "It is on occasion, just beautifully bizarre and many parts of it are more than a little bit stupid."
  [15:40]

Key Takeaways:

• "Diana the Musical" has had a tumultuous journey from Broadway to its unexpected UK concert premiere.
• The musical's split casting for Diana (young and old) adds a unique dynamic to the production.
• Choosing the Eventim Apollo Theatre signifies a strategic move to distance the show from royal-associated West End venues.
• Micky Jo remains both hopeful and skeptical about the concert's reception, emphasizing the importance of staging and public perception.
• Audience engagement and feedback will play a crucial role in determining the musical's future in the UK theatre scene.

For those interested in theatre criticism and the evolving landscape of musical productions, Micky Jo's analysis offers valuable insights into the challenges and potentials of bringing a contentious yet beloved figure like Princess Diana to the stage.