“Neil Diamond’s Musical: Absolutely Incredible!”

Neil Diamond fans and those who enjoyed The Cher Show at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando are in for a treat with “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.” This production tells the fascinating untold story of the American icon through a blend of biography and concert performance.

The show features two talented actors who skillfully embody Neil Diamond at different stages of his life. Nick Fradiani, the 2015 winner of “American Idol,” portrays the younger aspiring musician, while Robert Westenberg takes on the role of an older Diamond reflecting on his life with his therapist.

A highlight of the musical is delving into Neil Diamond’s early years and his journey to becoming a renowned singer-songwriter. From contemplating a name change to doubting his songwriting abilities, these moments of vulnerability and humor add depth to the portrayal of the musical legend.

However, the show also illuminated his complicated and sometimes heartbreaking relationships with three wives and the personal sacrifices he endured to become one of the most successful musicians of all time.  The packed opening-night audience sang along as the cast performed some of his greatest hits, including “Sweet Caroline”.

In the Playbill, there’s a letter from Neil dated September 2022, he writes:  “The idea of a Broadway musical about my life has always been a daunting one.  It wasn’t until the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease prematurely ended my touring career that I started to seriously consider the prospect.  I say “prematurely” because my heart and soul would tour until the day I die if only my body would cooperate.”

He goes on to write about how he loved the idea of framing the show around a therapy session. 

“There used to be a stigma around talking about mental health and thankfully through the years, it’s become an important and accepted topic of conversation.”

Not only does this jukebox musical beautifully portray the challenges and triumphs of Neil Diamond, its high-energy cast and musical numbers including “America,” “I’m a Believer” and “Hello Again” will keep you thoroughly entertained and humming along.

“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” is showing at the Dr. Phillips Center from Feb. 4-9, 2025.  For ticket information, click here.