The People’s Princess

Diana

Most likely everyone, at least those of a certain age, remembers the story of Diana, Princess of Wales. Her courtship and tumultuous marriage to Prince Charles, the birth of two sons and a strained relationship with the Queen are well-documented. People are also aware of the Prince’s longtime relationship with a married woman, Camilla Parker Bowles. Then there’s Diana’s attraction to and ultimate affair with handsome equestrian and soldier, James Hewitt. This musical about the People’s Princess, as she was called, is many things. The witty script and songs are frequently funny, sometimes quite touching and often very sad. And, like the musical TITANIC, the audience knows the tragic ending where this story is headed.

The history of the musical is almost as turbulent as the story it tells. The show has a book written by playwright Joe DiPietro (MEMPHIS, ALL SHOOK UP), with music and lyrics by DiPietro and Bon Jovi keyboard player, David Bryan. Both of them won Tony Awards for MEMPHIS in 2002, another musical based on the life a a real-life celebrity. Following a 2019 tryout at the Jolla Playhouse, DIANA began Broadway previews in March of 2020. But then, unexpectedly, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the musical, along with all of Broadway. When DIANA reopened again in December of that year, the audiences were small and the reviews were dismal. Many who saw that production felt that the Princess wasn’t treated with the respect she deserved. In 2023, however, a concert version of the musical opened in London, but since its unfavorable New York reviews the musical hasn’t been seen very much stateside. Theo Ubique’s production marks the show’s Midwest Premiere.

As the production was in rehearsal, Fred Anzevino, the beloved and gifed founder and Artistic Director of Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, sadly and unexpectedly passed away. He and multiple Jeff Awarded Co-Director and Choreographer, Brenda Didier, had been shaping and guiding the production and Fred’s indelible influence can be seen throughout the musical. DIANA will always be remembered as Fred’s final production. The musical is a tribute, not only to Princess Diana, but a loving salute to the multitalented Mr. Anzevino, as well.

The musical opens as a 19-year-old Diana Spencer is attending a party at Buckingham Palace, thrown by Prince Charles. There she not only meets and charms Charles but she encounters his married mistress, Camilla Parker Bowles. But Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, is bent on the Prince settling down and finally finding a bride. A whirlwind courtship continues until Diana is commanded to move into the Palace and the wedding takes place. But throughout all this, Charles reassures Camilla that, despite being married, he’ll always be there for her. And the love between Charles and Camilla, as well as the Prince’s lack of affection for Diana, provides the musical’s conflict that will continue until the Princess’ tragic end.

Perhaps the score for this musical isn’t as memorable as MY FAIR LADY or as unique as HAMILTON, but it’s performed beautifully by talented Conductor/Keyboardist Kevin Zhou, Bass player Matt Wolf and Drummer Benjamin Heppner. And the score’s sung by a gifted cast of triple-threats, performed under the Musical Direction of Carolyn Brady, and filled with the expressive Choreography by Brenda Didier and Associate Director/Choreographer Cameron Turner. And, especially given Theo’s intimate Cabaret venue, theatergoers are always up close and personal to the story. A shoutout must go to Manuel Ortiz’s open Scenic Design, especially an intricate ceiling treatment, frosted with some fine Lighting by Denise Karczewski. And Patty Halajian’s elegant Costume Designs, especially Diana’s familiar wedding gown and Barbara Cartland’s hilarious frocks, all highlighted by Kevin Barthel’s character-driven wigs, are the icing on the cake.

The cast is led by one of the finest, most talented young actors in in the area. New to the Chicago theatre scene, the exquisite Kate McQuillan beautifully captures the young Princess, taking the audience on a journey through her character’s joys and sorrows. And with a beautifully trained voice that caresses every single song, Ms. McQuillan is a shining star to watch. She’s matched by the performances of Jack Saunders (Kokandy’s ALICE BY HEART) as the conflicted Prince Charles; and the always magical Colette Todd (Desiree in Theo’s A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC) as Camilla. The triumvirate are the driving force of this story and their vocal work is impeccable. Add to this threesome, the surprisingly powerful performance of Jacqueline Grandt (Jeff Award winner for THE TOTALITY OF ALL THINGS and BUG) in the dual roles of Queen Elizabeth and English romance author Barbara Cartland, and you have a magnificent show.

But there are other wonderful performances that make this production so captivating. Dan Gold (GREY GARDENS at Theo; 1776 at Marriott) is sexy and side-splitting as James Hewitt. He then changes course and becomes the sensitive and caring love interest for Diana, when her marriage to Charles is failing. Jon Parker Jackson (ASSASSINS at Theo) is a delight as Paul, Diana’s assistant and confidant. Nicholas Ian is equally fun as Colin, Charles’ personal page. And Beck Hokanson (DAMES AT SEA at Citadel) is spot-on as Andrew Parker Bowles, among other roles. The talented ensemble provides a lot of the heavy lifting in this production, playing multiple characters, such as the paparazzi, partygoers, doctors and AIDS patients.

Some theatergoers came to DIANA with preconceived notions about what they’d be seeing. Having read the gloomy reviews of the Broadway production, everyone was exclaiming that, by the curtain call, they were so pleasantly surprised and delighted by this wonderful production. Theo Ubique continues to produce polished, topnotch musicals, and the theatre seems to continually surpass previous productions with each new show. DIANA is no exception. Helmed by Directing treasures, Brenda Didier and Fred Anzevino (in his final directorial appearance), supported by a superb coterie of theatrical artists, and presenting a truly talented cast of actor/singer/dancers, this heartbreaking and entertaining story of the People’s Princess is well worth an evening at the Palace.  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May24-July 6 by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard Street, Evanston, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 800-595-4849 or by going to www.Theo-u.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.