Through October 27
Yes, another Jukebox musical, this time one based on Neil Diamond’s life (loosely) and the music (front and center).
The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace features over two dozen fully staged songs by Diamond, the Grammy award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame star who has sold at least 120 million albums and appeared in concerts all over the world.
Probably not too surprisingly, his personal story seems a bit sadder, but that always seems to be the case — maybe it’s easier to see him as a man in love with performing. That relationship proved a resounding success. At any rate, this show is in a way yet another performance by Diamond, who collaborated in the show’s creation. Diamond and Antony McCarten wrote the book, while Diamond (of course) wrote all music and lyrics.
When the show opens, we see an elder version of Diamond (Robert Westenberg as “Neil—Now”) talking to his doctor/therapist (Lisa Renee Pitts). Understandably depressed after ending his 50-year run as a popular touring star (not to mention also being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease), Diamond shares his despair. His doctor (a no-nonsense Pitts) distracts him by pulling out binders filled with scores and clippings that spark memories.
Those memories create the heart of the show as the “Neil—Then” appears and we are led via song and dance through the life and career of Diamond. The dynamic (and sexy, Elvis-style) Nick Fradiani is outstanding as Neil. The supporting cast contributes vocally, especially songbird Hannah Jewel Kohn. As Marica, Neil’s feisty second wife, Kohn held her own in duets and exchanges with Fradiani.
The acting ensemble also included Lisa Renee Pitts, Michael Accardo, Kate A. Mulligan, Tiffany Tatreau and Tuck Mulligan. A dozen plus dancers made sure things were never dull, but the focus was on, appropriately, the music.
And those songs? A show full of tunes — tunes often boosted by audience hum-a-longs. They included favorites such as “Sweet Caroline,” “Holly Holy,” “I’m a Believer,” “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” and a couple dozen more. It’s a real songfest, especially if you were listening to it in the 1980s.
Warning: It’s loud. It’s a rock concert. If you have ear plugs, you might want to bring them. I kept getting “hearing loss” alerts (if noise levels kept up)..
Directed by Michael Mayer, the production featured lively and era-appropriate dancing choreographed by Steven Hoggett.
The energy-filled band, conducted by keyboardist James Olmstead, sat perched onstage above and behind the cast and sounded larger than it was — which was just right.
Bottom Line: A musical that throws light on stardom, music and the joys and sorrows of fame. The focus is on Neil Diamond so if you’re a fan (or think you might be after the show), this one is for you.
[Written by Laura Kennelly]
Cleveland, OH 44115
2 Responses to “THEATER REVIEW: “Neil Diamond: A Beautiful Noise” @ Playhouse Square by Laura Kennelly”
James Applegate
Neil was my wife who passed in 2018 and mine favorite singer went to 6 of his concerts sometimes getting front row seats his backup singers would recognize us and wave he was the best
Edward Mycue
I like the review. It tells me what I want to know. I’ll bet I would like the show if I had some extra bucks and the open time. It’s a good picture you sketch. I imagine I will recall many of the songs that my pals and siblings would have heard and sung a bit. Going to a performance seems like an auld return to more youthful times heard aslant as I was thinking elsewhere, yet heard.