By Liz Eichler
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is a hug of nostalgia for anyone who listened to music since the 1960’s–or ever attended a sporting event to sing “Sweet Caroline.” It is now at the Aronoff, until May 18, 2025.
In case you still never heard of him, Neil Diamond has been one of the most prolific singer songwriters of the 20th and 21st centuries. His first gold record was “I’m a Believer” which he wrote for the Monkees in 1966. His breakout as a performer was “Solitary Man,” when the world discovered his voice–”gravel wrapped in velvet.”
The Plot of Beautiful Noise
The plot of the show is an elderly Diamond is “forced” to see a therapist because he’s become a bit grumpy, according to his wife and kids. As the sessions play out we see him revisit his career–from newly married and babies, to meeting a NY hit maker, to his first gig, and his first gold record. He signs a record deal with the mob, makes more hits, gets out of that record deal, moves to LA, and tours forever. Two divorces later, the therapist tries to find what makes him feel so blue and alone all the time.
The Performers
There is no denying the main characters sound like Neil Diamond. (I asked Alexa to play Neil Diamond as soon as I got back home.) Nick Fradiani is ‘Neil – Then’ and Robert Westenberg is ‘Neil – Now.’ They both show passion and the introspective clouds which form when they are not on stage. The show is more than a jukebox musical, there are a lot of dramatic elements as Diamond unravels the yarn of his life with the assistance–and insistence–of his Doctor (Lisa Reneé Pitts). She is appropriately in control as she helps make him comfortable enough to let the memories emerge (literally, in a very nice special effect).
Kate A. Mulligan does a great job as Ellie Greenwich, who helped catapult Diamond’s career–and convince him the name “Neil Diamond” was a winner. Tiffiany Tatreau and Hannah Jewel Kohn do a great job as Jane (Wife #1) and Marsha (Wife #2). The ensemble is larger than expected, and dazzle with moves (Steven Hoggett Choreographer and Yasmine Lee Tour Choreographer). Spencer Donovan Jones does a wonderful job with “Shiloh.” Ginger Hurley is clearly the key female understudy–her charisma jumps off the stage. Cooper Clack and Thabitha Moruthane also have moments to pop.
The Production
The audience’s favorite moments are the sing alongs during the show–and during the curtain call. The second act opens as a Las Vegas-y “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show” (think Brother Baby Billy from Righteous Gemstones.) It is here we see the band, hidden behind curtains. The band (Conductor James Olmstead) 100% delivers on the songs, and the drummer Morgan Parker pulls focus with blonde hair and talent.
So many of his hits are featured in this show “Song Sung Blue,” “Kentucky Woman,” “Cherry, Cherry,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “You Don’t Bring me Flowers,” “I Am…I Said,” etc.–and I learned he wrote “Red Red Wine,” made famous by UB40 in the 1980’s.
Another highlight to the show is the lighting design (Tony winner Kevin Adams). It is architectural, carving angles and columns in the air. The structural lines of the scenic design (David Rockwell) roll back and forth to create sharp angles, mood, bridges, etc. Time periods are suggested by the 40 or so ceiling lamps that fly in and out – from different eras, from NYC 1930’s art deco to fancy ’60s chic.
Costumes (Emilio Sosa) are joyfully appropriate–reflecting colorful ‘60’s and Diamond’s original penchant for black. And tons of sparkles as his fame grows.
Conclusion
Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is a great trip down memory lane that invites you to sing along. It is also a reminder that mental health is important, and people with high-functioning anxiety exist, and can make a huge contribution to the world.
Tickets
Confirm that your tickets are purchased directly from CincinnatiArts.org or Broadway in Cincinnati sources, not a third party reseller. Here is a link to the official site or you can purchase tickets in person at the Box Office at the Aronoff.
For audiences of all ages. Run Time: 2 hours 15 minutes with 15 minute intermission.
PS: This is a show to share with generations young or old. My guest was Ruth, a bit younger than Diamond, but grew up in a suburb of NYC. Her kids went to Bergenfield HS in New Jersey–a few years after the Beautiful Noise producer, songwriter Bob Gaudio dropped out to join the Four Seasons and go on to write countless hits, and produce Broadway shows. (He also wrote the song “Who Wears Short Shorts” when he was 15!) Ruth reports that he was awarded his HS diploma from Bergenfield HS 50 years later. What a small world!
