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Regional Reviews: Phoenix A Beautiful Noise Also see Gil's reviews of Chicago: Teen Edition and A Night on Broadway with Norm Lewis and Laura Benanti
The story begins with the present-day Diamond in therapy sessions as he looks back on his rise from a young songwriter in New York to an international superstar, revisiting the personal and professional highs and lows that shaped him and the mistakes he made along the way. When Neil isn't that forthcoming in his sessions, the doctor suggests looking at his song lyrics as a way to bring up moments in his past and reads them aloud from "The Complete Lyrics of Neil Diamond" as the songs and memories from his past come to life. In a program note from Diamond, he says the story was inspired by his longtime therapist. The musical features a steady stream of beloved hits including "Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue," "I Am... I Said," "Solitary Man," and "Forever in Blue Jeans." These songs are smartly woven into the narrative and often serve as emotional punctuation points, reminding audience members just how deep and varied Diamond's catalog truly is, and the realization of how the lyrics in the songs he wrote were deeply personal. However, the constant presence of the older Neil and his therapist is both a strength and a weakness. At times, having the two seen throughout, mostly on the sides of the stage in large comfortable chairs, is a distraction, and their exchanges slow the momentum or feel overly explanatory. However, when the material lands, it lands well. There are several cathartic moments when Diamond's emotional guardedness cracks, allowing the audience to connect not just with the icon, but with the man behind the music. Those scenes add a layer of resonance that elevates the show beyond a simple concert-style revue and are especially poignant since the news that Diamond was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018 and is no longer able to tour. The touring cast is excellent. Nick Fradiani is the younger Neil Diamond, a role he previously played in the Broadway production, and is also an "American Idol" winner. He delivers a star-making performance. With a superb singing voice, natural charisma, and uncanny vocal resemblance, there are moments when it genuinely feels like we are watching Diamond himself in concert. As the present-day Neil, Robert Westenberg offers a grounded, introspective depiction when his therapy sessions make him open up to his past. His delivery of "I Am... I Said" is superb. Mary Page Nance and Tiffany Tatreau portray Diamond's first and second wives. Both bring emotional clarity to their roles, helping to flesh out the personal costs of his ambition, and Page delivers a knock-out version of "Forever in Blue Jeans" and, with Fradiani, a lovely duet of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers." There is also strong support from the ensemble, including Lisa Reneé Pitts as his doctor and Heidi Kettenring, Gene Weyegandt, Michael Accardo in a few smaller roles. Michael Mayer's direction and Steven Hoggett's choreography (Austin Regan and Yasmine Lee assist in those roles for the tour, respectively) keep the show visually engaging and help the cathartic moments to have meaning, with the ten-member ensemble seamlessly integrated to provide movement and theatrical flair throughout without overwhelming the narrative. Emilio Sosa's costumes clearly define the different eras of Diamond's career, and the band and Miles Plant's music direction are excellent, delivering the songs with energy. A Beautiful Noise may not reinvent the jukebox musical, but it succeeds where it matters most. It honors Neil Diamond's music with passion and skill, offering audiences an entertaining and sometimes touching evening fueled by unforgettable songs and standout central performances from Fradiani and Westenberg. A Beautiful Noise runs through February 1, 2026, at ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.asugammage.com or call 480-965-3434. For information on the tour, visit abeautifulnoisethemusical.com. Book: Anthony McCarten Cast: |
