A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is a Must-See Jewel

–by Ashley Cox

It was unusually balmy on Tuesday night when I snagged the best parking spot right next to Park-Like on Washington Street before heading into the Fox to see A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I entered the theatre and the auditorium was bathed in a hellish red light shining on a simple gold curtain. It felt Faustian. This may or may not have been intentional foreshadowing as the jukebox musical largely centered on Diamond’s thriving career and morose personal life.

Autobiographical to a point (many liberties were taken with the timeline), Diamond helped create the show as a catharsis for his touring life being ended by a Parkinson’s diagnoses. Jersey Boy’s Bob Gaudio helped form the creative team and his hand is definitely felt. Noise centers around a current day Neil, played deftly on Tuesday by stand-in Dale Duko, during the beginning stages of therapy with Doctor played by Lisa Renee Pitts.

Unable to get the gruff Diamond to open at all, she produces a large volume of his song lyrics and thus the musical begins. We journey with Neil – Now and the Doctor via his lyrics through his highs and lows… shockingly mostly lows. I hope the real Neal Diamond did not spend so much time covered “by the clouds” as the eternally morose Neil – Then played by Nick Fradiani. Fradiani notably won the 2015 American Idol series and played Neil – Now during some of the Broadway run.

Subject to mixed reviews on Broadway, I did not concur with some of the criticisms. The show nicely captured the singer-songwriter ignoring his trauma and emotions only to be faced with a mountain when his main coping skills was wrenched from him. The ensemble, dubbed The Beautiful Noise, had gorgeous extension throughout the choreography. The repeated motif of “reaching out” a la “Sweet Caroline” repeated throughout the show. I loved the inventive use of trap doors within the choreography and staging.

The songs truly shined. For Diamond fans, it is a must see. The man next to me wept during the spotlight rendition of “Solidtarty Man” while call-and-response was encouraged for “Sweet Caroline.” Hannah Jewel Kohn as Neil’s second wife Marcia confidently owned the stage during “Cherry Cherry.” This show features an exponentially talented cast, ranking with last season’s MJ in my opinion. It will appeal to everyone, not just Neil Diamond fans.

A Beautiful Noise runs through November 10th so you have plenty of chances to see it before it is gone by purchasing tickets HERE. Next will be Peter Pan opening Wednesday, November 13th. Can we believe the holiday season is upon us and the year is almost through? Musical season has started in full effect at the Fox and I look forward to seeing everyone there.