Diana: The Musical producer on why the project released on Netflix before Broadway

Frank Marshall, one of the producers behind Diana: The Musical, recently spoke about releasing the project on Netflix before debuting it on Broadway. The strategy was essential to make the musical available to a broader audience. 

Marshall told The Hollywood Reporter that this is the first time a play is releasing on a streamer before it's out on Broadway. It was after the film version of Hamilton had a direct-to-digital release did the makers of Diana decide to go the same path. 

The streamer was soon onboard and the makers shot Diana like a film without a live audience present, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"It’s much more like a movie," said Marshall after describing how they were able to place camera in "the right places" because they were no longer shooting with the audience reaction shots. He explained that director Chris Ashley "designed into the show cinematic transitions."

Marshal also adds that the shoot of this play has inspired him to adopt this route for other theatrical productions even if the pandemic is no longer a source of worry. 

He said that the streamer release of the musical complements the live version, and it's not an impediment.

The cast of Diana: The Musical includes Jeanna de Waal (as Diana), Erin Davie (as Camila Parker Bowles), Roe Hartrampf (as Prince Charles), and Judy Kaye (as Queen Elizabeth II). Joe DiPeitro has written the script and the lyrics alongside David Bryan.

Diana: The Musical is among the latest onscreen iterations of the late royal after Netflix's series The Crown. Kristen Stewart will be seen as Diana in Pablo Larrain's historical drama Spencer, which had its world premiere at the Venice International Festival on 3 September.