The Streaming Wars are seemingly never-ending and all-encompassing. As streaming platforms sign massive deals for exclusive content and release new programming at a record pace, the names of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney, and Apple are dominating the conversation. And now, it appears that Broadway is getting swept up into the battle, as well.
According to Deadline, Netflix has signed a deal to premiere a new Princess Diana Broadway musical on its streaming platform before it launches in New York City next year. The report claims that a filmed version of the live stage show, “Diana: A New Musical,” will debut on Netflix before it arrives on Broadway in May 2021. This is clearly the platform’s attempt to ride the way of filmed Broadway shows that began with a bang in July with “Hamilton” arriving on Disney+.
‘Diana’ is directed by Christopher Ashley and stars Jeanna de Waal as the title character. The deal marks the first time ever that a stage show will debut on TV screens before it arrives in front of a live audience. Originally, the show was expected to do previews and debut this year but the pandemic forced that plan to change. Now, with no other way to show the musical, Netflix is stepping up to share it with its global audience.
“We speak for the entire company when we say that we couldn’t be more excited to finally be able share our show with theater lovers everywhere,” the producers said. “Though there is no substitute for the live theater, we are honored to be a part of the quality entertainment that Netflix provides its subscribers worldwide.”
While this is obviously a reaction to the success of “Hamilton” on Disney+, this deal with ‘Diana’ is an entirely different beast. Unlike “Hamilton,” there’s no years-long love affair with this new musical that will entice people to watch it on the streaming platform. We’ll just have to wait and see if the popularity of “Hamilton” is due to the audience’s desire to see live productions or if it was more of a cultural moment that can’t be easily replicated.
