It looks like a Princess Diana musical is coming to the New York after all. Starting previews Oct. 1 at Off-Off-Broadway's Grove Street Playhouse is Queen of Hearts, a new musical by composer Claudia Perry and director/librettist Stephen Stahl.

Opening Oct. 5, Hearts follows the life story of Diana Spencer, who rose from middle-class life to become the Princess of England, but then divorced Prince Charles and died in a terrible car crash with her rich boyfriend, Dodi Fayed.

Charles is in the musical (played by James A. Walsh), as are the personages of Diana's two children, Charles' mistress, Princess Grace of Monaco, and various reporters and various Palace officials.

A former student at LAMBDA (the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), newcomer Kendra Munger plays Lady Di, according to spokesperson Jim Baldassare. "It's a very loving and basically straightforward portrait of Diana," author Stahl said in a statement.

Stahl's previous credits include the Olivier-nominated Lady Day; composer Perry has contributed numerous songs to the NY cabaret circuit. Designing Queen of Hearts are Robert F. Wolin (set), Dale Beverly (costumes) and Scott Davis (lighting).

For tickets ($20-$35) and information on Queen of Hearts, scheduled for a five-week run at the Grove Street Playhouse (Seventh Ave. & West 4th St.) call (212) 741-6436.

-- By David Lefkowitz