And here’s the thing: I’m not really a "musical person," (although Wicked may have changed that) and I wouldn’t even call myself a big Neil Diamond fan. But I absolutely loved this show.
From the first downbeat, this Broadway-caliber production grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is more than just a jukebox musical - it’s a moving and reflective journey through the life of one of America’s most prolific hitmakers. Framed as a series of therapy sessions between an older Neil Diamond and his compassionate yet probing therapist, the show offers an introspective look at Diamond’s rise to fame, creative struggles, and personal reckonings.
As ‘Neil - Now,’ Robert Westenberg lends gravitas and quiet intensity to the role, embodying the weight of a life lived in the spotlight, now dimming. Opposite him, Lisa Reneé Pitts is commanding and grounded as the Doctor, expertly guiding the narrative as Diamond grapples with his past and present.
But it's Nick Fradiani as ‘Neil - Then’ who delivers the show-stopping performance of the night. From the moment he steps on stage, the one-time American Idol winner doesn’t just play Diamond - he becomes him. With uncanny vocal precision and charisma to spare, he effortlessly channels the youthful ambition, heartbreak, and stage-storming confidence of the Brooklyn-born superstar. Whether belting out crowd favorites like "Cracklin’ Rosie" and "America" or embodying the softer ache of "I Am…I Said," Fradiani brings emotional nuance and electric energy that lifts the entire production.
From the first downbeat, this Broadway-caliber production grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is more than just a jukebox musical - it’s a moving and reflective journey through the life of one of America’s most prolific hitmakers. Framed as a series of therapy sessions between an older Neil Diamond and his compassionate yet probing therapist, the show offers an introspective look at Diamond’s rise to fame, creative struggles, and personal reckonings.
As ‘Neil - Now,’ Robert Westenberg lends gravitas and quiet intensity to the role, embodying the weight of a life lived in the spotlight, now dimming. Opposite him, Lisa Reneé Pitts is commanding and grounded as the Doctor, expertly guiding the narrative as Diamond grapples with his past and present.
But it's Nick Fradiani as ‘Neil - Then’ who delivers the show-stopping performance of the night. From the moment he steps on stage, the one-time American Idol winner doesn’t just play Diamond - he becomes him. With uncanny vocal precision and charisma to spare, he effortlessly channels the youthful ambition, heartbreak, and stage-storming confidence of the Brooklyn-born superstar. Whether belting out crowd favorites like "Cracklin’ Rosie" and "America" or embodying the softer ache of "I Am…I Said," Fradiani brings emotional nuance and electric energy that lifts the entire production.
The staging is vibrant and clever, weaving in stunning visuals and kinetic dance numbers that reflect the shifting eras of Diamond’s career. The costumes pop with era-specific pizzazz, from sequined tour looks to sharp '60s suits. The set, colorful and immersive, evokes recording studios, smoky clubs, and stadiums filled with fans. It’s a visual feast that matches the sonic richness of the score.
Musical theater fans will feel echoes of Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and that’s by design. Like those hits, A Beautiful Noise digs deeper than the chart-toppers to explore the human story behind the songs. It’s not just a celebration - it’s a catharsis.
And then there’s the finale. After nearly two hours of toe-tapping hits and emotional revelations, the entire audience rises, claps, and sings their hearts out to "Sweet Caroline." It’s the kind of musical moment that makes your cheeks hurt from smiling. For a show about a man whose music brought joy to millions, there could be no better ending.
With limited performances through Sunday, June 1, at the San Diego Civic Theatre, this is one show you don’t want to miss. Whether you're a lifelong Diamond fan or discovering his music for the first time, A Beautiful Noise is a stunning reminder of the power of a great song - and the soul who wrote it.
Tickets and info at Broadway San Diego.
Musical theater fans will feel echoes of Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and that’s by design. Like those hits, A Beautiful Noise digs deeper than the chart-toppers to explore the human story behind the songs. It’s not just a celebration - it’s a catharsis.
And then there’s the finale. After nearly two hours of toe-tapping hits and emotional revelations, the entire audience rises, claps, and sings their hearts out to "Sweet Caroline." It’s the kind of musical moment that makes your cheeks hurt from smiling. For a show about a man whose music brought joy to millions, there could be no better ending.
With limited performances through Sunday, June 1, at the San Diego Civic Theatre, this is one show you don’t want to miss. Whether you're a lifelong Diamond fan or discovering his music for the first time, A Beautiful Noise is a stunning reminder of the power of a great song - and the soul who wrote it.
Tickets and info at Broadway San Diego.
