Glittering gowns and political intrigue: 'Diana, the Musical' arrives at Henegar Center

A royal spectacle is about to grace the stage as the Henegar Center offers "Diana, the Musical." The show, based upon the life and legacy of Princess Diana, opens Friday, March 15 for a run through April 7.

"Diana, the Musical" is an exploration of Diana's life from her fairy-tale wedding to Prince Charles to her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. The musical features a book by Joe DiPietro and music by David Bryan. Originally premiering on Broadway in 2021, the story centers around the life of Diana Spencer, who evolved from a shy kindergarten teacher to one of the most famous women in the world as Princess of Wales.

"The story follows Diana Spencer as she meets, weds, rises to fame and her eventual death," said executive artistic director Dominic Del Brocco. "We see the dynamic between her and her husband, Prince Charles, and how difficult it is or would be to live and survive in that type of environment."

"The Henegar is excited to be the first theater on the east coast of the United States to premiere this production," Del Brocco said. "After running on the West End, its trip to open on Broadway was cut short during the pandemic closure and then became available for theaters to produce. We are so happy to be among the first."

Del Brocco says the cast has found ways to honor the characters, many of whom are alive today, without making them caricatures. "They all went through additional dialect coaching sessions for each of their characters and the specifics of their speech and body language."

Comic catastrophe: 'The Play That Goes Wrong' at Cocoa Village Playhouse

Country charm: Small town dreams take center stage in Titusville Playhouse's 'May We All'

Fosse flair: Surfside Playhouse promises fun, laughs, good times with 'Sweet Charity'

Get outside! Outdoor festival season is in full swing on the Space Coast

The musical score is another star of the show. With melodies that range from poignant ballads to upbeat numbers, the soundtrack mirrors the emotional rollercoaster of Diana's life.

"It is set up as a pop rock musical with many catchy tunes," Del Brocco said. "It is all original music made for the show using actual moments in Diana's life to help dictate the narrative and lyrics of the songs. Some actual quotes and reports from all of the royals were used in the lyrics."

Recreating the opulence of royal settings on a local theater budget is no small feat, but the Henegar Center's production team has risen to the challenge.

"The set is stunning and gilded with gold to give a royal feel throughout," Del Brocco said. "Taking place in the late '80s and early '90s, it is a period piece that reflects England at the time."

"We have a new costume designer that studied and went to school specifically for design," he said. "While we can't fully replicate, and many of Diana's featured clothes were high end couture, we believe [we have] been able to capture the essence of the people and period."

Beyond its spectacle, "Diana, the Musical" also explores themes that resonate with audiences of all ages. From the complexities of love and duty to the pursuit of personal freedom, the story of Princess Diana is as relevant today as it was decades ago, reminding us of the power of compassion and resilience.

"We reflect on the positive moments in this person's life as well as the lessons touched on about eating disorders, mental health and suicide, divorce and the complications of adult relationships," Del Brocco said.

"It's a once in a lifetime spectacle not to be missed, and all here in our little town of Melbourne."

If you go

'Diana, The Musical'

Where: The Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through April 7

Tickets: Start at $37

Call: 321-723-8698

Website: henegarcenter.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at [email protected].

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Royal intrigue in Brevard: 'Diana, the Musical' at Henegar Center