Broadway's 'Diana' Star Jeanna de Waal Defends the Musical Amid Negative Reviews

Jeanna de Waal, the star of the new Broadway show Diana, The Musical, is speaking out to defend the project after it received negative reviews from critics.

The new musical celebrated its official opening night on Wednesday (November 17) and Jeanna looked stunning at the after party alongside co-stars Roe Hartrampf, Judy Kaye, and Erin Davie. See those photos in the gallery!

Jeanna spoke to Variety while en route to the after party and she defended the musical.

Click inside to find out what she said…

“I’m intrigued why people think it’s great to make a really serious film about her, but really bad to make a light-hearted musical,” Jeanna said, seemingly referencing the Kristen Stewart movie Spencer.

She continued, “They’re both produced privately for profit, and they’re both entertainment. So, why is one fine and the other isn’t? The audiences who come to see our show, who wear tiaras and boo at Charles, are just as deserving of their entertainment as someone who wants to go to the movies and weep.”

Jeanna added, “We’re not playing acoustic guitars here. It’s literally the point to be exaggerative. It’s a musical, and by all accounts Diana was the most fun, most silly, most rebellious, most spontaneous person. And I genuinely think she’d enjoy it.”

“Here’s the deal,” she concluded. “I love that our show doesn’t take itself seriously. And so you can judge it for being that, if you like.”

Diana, The Musical is currently playing on Broadway in New York City! You can also watch the filmed version on Netflix.