The story of the legendary Neil Diamond comes to life on stage in an uplifting new musical featuring all his hit songs, including “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” From those exhilarating early days in New York to the sold-out spectacles that defined his career, A Beautiful Noise explores the life of a rock icon through the music that made him “a national treasure” (Los Angeles Times).
Directed by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), choreographed by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and written by four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Two Popes), A Beautiful Noise is a thrilling look at an artist’s search for himself and a celebration of the enduring power of his music.
A stellar supporting cast is assembled here in the first act (this psychological look at the Diamond persona reminded me a bit of the musical MJ) including an affecting quiet performance by Lisa Reneé Pitts as the therapist. A highly captivating performance by Hannah Jewel Kohn steals the show as Ms. Kohn “knocked it out of the park” with magnetic stage presence and a sensational soaring voice. As wife Marcia Murphey, Ms. Kohn delivered a poignant rendition of “Play Me” and a scintillating powerhouse delivery of “Forever in Blue Jeans.”
For a show heavy in music, there’s nobody better to do all the lifting than Nick Fradiani. His voice is stronger than a Kentucky Woman (I hear they are tough). The 2015 winner of American Idol, Fradiani perfectly duplicates the magical sound of Diamond’s voice. He’s as close as you are ever going to get to hearing the real Diamond himself. Fradiani should maybe change his name to Ruby or Sapphire, because he’s a valuable gem himself.
2022 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
2024 | US Tour |
North American Tour US Tour |
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