Diana: The Musical’s Star Took In the Princess of Wales’ Wardrobe at Dior’s Brooklyn Bash

Broadway performances resume on September 14th, and among the stars returning to the Great White Way is Jeanna de Waal. As the star of Diana: The Musical, de Waal brings the life of one of the 20th century’s icons to the stage like never before. With music and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and David Bryan, the award-winning team behind Memphis, the show is a rousing reimagining of the princess’s life that has garnered raves on London’s West End. With the project set to stream on Netflix on October 1st and open at the Longacre in November, the entire world can soon experience what de Waal and her castmates have been working on for the last five years. “I’ve put my heart and soul into developing this role, and I’m excited for everyone to see it,” de Waal says. “There’s so much to discover about her, and it’s been such a unique process developing this performance. Each time I dive in, I feel like I learn more about her.” 

At last night’s opening of the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, de Waal got to see in person another side of Diana’s allure: her legendary wardrobe. The exhibit, which celebrates the history of the storied French house from its founding in 1946 to the present day, features several pieces worn by Diana. “After having worked tirelessly with the costume designer to recreate so many of her looks, it is special to see some of them in real life and witness all the detail and thought that went into them,” says de Waal. “Fashion was one of Diana’s most powerful tools for expressing herself and making her voice heard. Those pieces now carry a history that still shapes fashion and many conversations today.” 

Of course, half the fun of attending a Dior party is having the opportunity to create a fashion moment of your own. De Waal dove headfirst into the world of Maria Grazia Chiuri, wearing a floral number by the designer. “Having a seamstress on hand available to fit the dress exactly to my body and making it feel like it was made for me,” says de Waal. The ethereal look stood out on the red carpet, where de Waal posed alongside fellow guests like Lorde, Yara Shahidi, and Liza Koshy. 

For de Waal, the night on the town reminded her of all the excitement yet to come. “I’m looking forward to everything that comes with being a working Broadway actor,” she says. “Seeing cast mates again, being in an ensemble, establishing a routine, and enjoying all the fun that comes along with opening a new show—[just] like tonight!”