[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of The Porters of Hellsgate’s “Di Lady Di” with book, lyrics and music by Charlotte Boyce Munson, music by Richard Munson, and directed by Alicia Gibson, running through December 4 at the Whitmore Lindley Theatre.
In one of the most unusual and utterly beguiling performances I have ever seen, Charlotte Boyce Munson sings and dances her way through the tragic story of Princess Diana. Alone on her stage, Ms Munson manages to walk the finest of lines between mimicry, parody and empathy. Willowy and lovely, she certainly looks the part, but she also seems to inhabit Diana. She took this sorry tale and gave it new life. Her songs a curious blend of operatic and contemporary, Ms Munson’s beautiful voice is as astonishing as Diana’s iconic presence. Beginning with her chilly childhood, the story covers Diana’s life up until her death, touching on her marriage, her children, the isolation and the rejection she suffered as well as her tendency to depression. However, it also emphasizes the phenomenal joy of Diana. The joy she brought with her everywhere she went and the joy she happily gave away to others. Growing up in England, for me she was always a constant in my life. Her beauty and her tenderness seemed just too good for the world she inhabited.
But how to take this heroine and make something new from her story? With numerous movies and of course “The Crown’s” take on her just about to erupt onto the world stage, what more is there to say? I suppose it’s not so much the ‘what’ as the ‘how.’
“Di Lady Di” is one of those fearless biopic plays that makes you forget what you already knew and look at something so familiar with completely unfettered eyes. It is moving and funny and comforting and yet still daring and wild in places…much like the princess.
I particularly loved the way Munson’s portrayal of Diana was so simple. No coy eyes fluttering, no dramatic glances. She put aside all the silly tropes and found the woman. The staging is also simple and brilliantly thoughtful , the music is truly sublime and everything works perfectly together.
“Di Lady Di” is a truly stunning piece of theatre and Ms Munson is effervescent as Diana. What a gift to see the story of this wonderful woman in this way. So sad that she died young and in such terrible circumstances and what would the world have been like if she had not?
“Di Lady Di” made its debut this year at the Hollywood Fringe and was highly decorated. Winning the Best Musical, TVO Best of The Fringe, nominated for Top of the Fringe, Best World Premiere, and was a part of the International Fringe Encore Series sponsored by the Soho Playhouse. Not too shabby! They are hoping to take it to the Edinburgh Fringe this coming year and I wish them luck. I’m sure it will be a huge success.
The show runs through December 4 at the Whitmore Lindley Theatre in Noho and is shown in tandem with Porters of Hellsgate’s “All is True, or Henry VII.” Please go and see this show. I can assure you it is unlike anything you have seen before…in a very good way, I absolutely loved it!!
What:
The Porters of Hellsgate return with two productions in rep! “Reopening the Gates” features “All is True, or Henry VII” and “Di Lady Di”
When:
Runs through December 4
Where:
Whitmore Lindley
11006 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Tickets:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5587614