A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is currently captivating audiences at the San Diego Civic Theatre, running through June 1st.
This vibrant jukebox musical celebrates Neil Diamond’s prolific songwriting, focusing more on sing-along moments than traditional biographical storytelling.
The show begins in a therapist’s office where an older version of Neil Diamond, dubbed ‘Neil Now’, portrayed by Robert Westenberg, unearths memories from his life with the help of a therapist played by Lisa Renee Pitts, who is unfamiliar with his extensive musical repertoire.
His younger self, ‘Neil Then’, brought to life by Nick Fradiani, takes us through key moments of his journey, including the struggles of songwriting, fame, and personal relationships.
However, the narrative serves mostly as a vehicle for showcasing Diamond’s iconic songs.
The first act features upbeat renditions of classics like “I’m a Believer,” “Solitary Man,” and, of course, “Sweet Caroline.”
The second half evolves into a full-on concert experience, with the ensemble, aptly named ‘The Noise,’ providing spirited vocals and engaging performances.
Choreography by Steven Hoggett, along with tour choreographer Yasmine Lee, infuses the production with a sense of energy and excitement, even during more subdued moments from Neil’s character.
One particularly striking choreography moment occurs when Neil opens a book of his songs, and dancers emerge from the pages to join him on stage.
Fradiani exudes charisma and possesses a deep, resonant voice that encourages audience participation through sing-alongs.
The talents of Hannah Jewel Kohn and Tiffany Tatreau shine through their strong vocals and memorable portrayals of the women who played significant roles in Neil’s life.
While the show acknowledges that its narrative focus may not delve deeply into Neil’s personal life, it does touch upon themes like the high cost of fame and mental health.
However, it quickly transitions back to familiar tunes, keeping the audience engaged with catchy melodies and frequent costume changes.
“A Beautiful Noise” is upfront about its intent, prioritizing fan engagement over biographical depth, a strategy that resonates well with audiences familiar with Diamond’s work.
Visually, the production shines with its bold lighting design and striking projections, crafting a concert-like atmosphere that amplifies during the second act.
For those with fond memories of Neil Diamond’s songs, this musical acts as a nostalgic reminder.
Meanwhile, newcomers to his music may find themselves discovering an array of songs that have stood the test of time.
The audience enthusiastically claps and sings along, with cheers erupting at the first notes of beloved tracks during the performance.
“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” might not offer a comprehensive examination of Diamond’s life, but it effectively serves as a celebration of his musical legacy.
Fans of Neil Diamond or those seeking an entertaining night filled with nostalgic tunes will surely leave the theatre humming his songs.
To secure tickets for this engaging musical, visit www.broadwaysd.com for showtimes and further information.
With its upbeat atmosphere and beloved soundtrack, this production will likely leave a lasting impression on those who attend.
image source from：https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-diego/article/Review-A-BEAUTIFUL-NOISE-THE-NEIL-DIAMOND-MUSICAL-at-Broadway-San-Diego-20250529
