REVIEW: “Neil Diamond Musical” is a Nostalgic Hug
Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is a great trip down memory lane that invites you to sing along.
May 7, 2025
Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is a great trip down memory lane that invites you to sing along.
Absolutely go see this show. If you are a fan of Neil Diamond, it is an excellent semi-autobiographical story framed through Neil’s therapy sessions.
This play is both funny and touching, a perfect way to spend a May evening at the theatre.
Set in Martha’s Vineyard circa 1974 during the filming of a novice director’s second theatrical movie, the play tells the story of three actors stuck on a set in the ocean while they wait for the film’s mechanical star prop to cooperate.
The inspired choice to weave in a 1960s and ‘70s musical “score” (arranged and directed by Max Kaufman) deepens the emotional resonance and rebellion at the heart of the story. Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Our House” provides a poignant, a cappella coda that brings a lump to the throat and a smile to the face—proof that Shakespeare and classic rock make a sublime match.
This show has many amazing technical elements. First and foremost the band is incredible. They play Webber and Rice’s score like they were in the room when it was first put to paper. They rock the house every single song. As this rock opera is entirely sung, you have to admire the endurance of these talented performers.
By Sherri Ogden Wellington Give your child a memory of sheer joy. Take them to The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of Disney’s Frozen JR!
By Doug Iden Just in time for Passover and Easter, Jesus Christ Superstar opens at Northern Kentucky University. PLOT AND CHARACTERS Everyone knows the story
Like generations before–and after them–the youth of the 1960s rejected their parents’ values, creating their own styles of dress, language, and ideals.
The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s (CCM)production of Hair is an electric, visceral celebration of the spirit of rebellion and hope. Directed with a thoughtful hand by Vincent DeGeorge, this staging of the iconic rock musical pulses with life, protest, and communal energy—reminding us that the questions raised in 1968 haven’t lost their sting.
CLP regulars, Cian Steele (Robbie), Trey Finkenstead (Sammy) and Tyler Gau (George) create the perfect trio whose lighthearted antics keep audiences enthralled in a story that they already know well.
In short, The Wedding Singer is a glittery, feel-good romp through a hairspray-filled time capsule—and this Incline Theatre production delivers it all with flair, fun, and a whole lot of love.
Ms. Brott’s grasp of Prospera’s character arc and her incredible delivery of the dialogue is nothing short of perfection. In fact, her subtleties are so wonderful that she both stands out as a talent, but knows how to blend in to the ensemble.
Overall
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s The Tempest is 100% worth the ticket price–and an ideal introduction to the magic of Shakespeare.
It is not hard to see that Ms. Vogel’s heart is clearly poured into every single word which started on a humble set of pages before being spoken by a rock solid cast and felt by a willing audience.
Annie Fitzpatrick (Bella Baird) is stunning. Her captivating performance brings layers of nuance and humor to the role while her ability to switch between solo narration and shared dialogue is effortless and delightful to watch.
*Each listing represents the month and year of archived events with the number of said events listed in parenthesis.
