She may no longer be donning a crown, but Jeanna de Waal is still the princess of performance. The Broadway star played to a sold out crowd Tuesday night at the Manderley Bar inside the McKittrick Hotel.
de Waal is best known for her now cult favorite turn in the short lived, but truly memorable Diana The Musical, where she played the late Princess of Wales. In her latest solo show, she revives a few numbers from that tuner, including, “Underestimated”, “As I Love You” and “If (Light the World”), much to the delight of her audience. She also shared some personal anecdotes about the show’s journey.
The British born actor made her West End debut in the Queen musical, We Will Rock You and delivered a stirring rendition of “Somebody to Love” from that show. “Pure Imagination” and a slowed down version of the classic “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” were also included. Yet the highlight of the evening was a stirring cover of Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” How can anyone possibly resist the dramatic power ballad, particularly when it is performed with such élan by a bonafide talent?
de Waal has undeniable star quality and is a thrill to watch. Her natural radiance and magnetism translates from the stage to her loyal fans. So the biggest question is: When will casting agents book her into a hit show? Until they do, we’ll be happy supporting any of her live appearances.
de Waal returns to the the Manderly on Tues. April 5th. For more information and tickets, click here.