Reviewed by Nyla Arslanian
A beautiful noise and indeed it was. The Neil Diamond Musical was more than a story wrapped around music as these musical ventures, while audience-pleasing are more like a Chinese dinner. Not so and that, in no small part is thanks to award-winning, celebrated novelist and playwright, Anthony McCarten.
Rather than starting at the beginning, we’re first introduced to an older, aging Neil Diamond and his therapist, who takes us on the journey of his life from Flatbush to stardom and the many stops along the way. Of course, Diamond’s hits are interspersed as we go along, not contrived but adding to the pacing and authenticity of the play.
Enough can’t be said about Nick Fradiani in the title role. This reviewer having seen my share of rock performers thought his performance was a bit too subdued until I came home and watched Neil Diamond performing at the Greek and at Madison Square Gardens. The truth, clearly made at the beginning of the play, was that Neil Diamond mostly saw himself as a singer/songwriter not the over-the-top, charismatic larger than life rock star. This “fact check” left no doubt that Fradiani’s voice and characterization captured the personality and essence of Neil Diamond as a performer and as a man.
Musically, the band, driven by exceptional woman drummer, Morgan Parker, under the direction of conductor/keyboardist James Olmstead, was outstanding throughout. For any musical production, it all rests with the sound and the Pantages’ and production technicians deliver.
Returning to the essence of the play, the book, the story is crafted around therapy sessions. In a program note written by Neil Diamond, he acknowledges the value he received through the years from his therapist. This is what gives the play its authenticity and insight into Neil Diamond, who rose from a hopeful songwriter into a world-renowned superstar. It is this journey that was shared on stage in this production.
Surrounding Nick Fradiani’s Neil Diamond are a marvelous cast of wives (Tiffany Tatreau and Hannah Jewel Kohn) and colleagues. Fradiani is complimented by several superb backup singers and soloists that add to the show’s performance value. However, it is the reminiscences of the elder Neil Diamond superbly and subtly played by Robert Westenberg that give this show its heart. Lisa Renee Pitts’ Doctor’s gentle questions probing the meaning of Diamond’s lyrics is the thread that binds it all together.
All culminates in the duet of Neil/Now and Neil/Then that brings a lump to the throat as the show closes. Nothing needs to be added about Neil Diamond’s music over the two hours. It soars and has the audience at times singing along. Another extraordinary evening at the magnificent Hollywood Pantages.
The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise must close on July 27th https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/events/ unless, of course, you want to venture south Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center (July 29-August 10) or take a jaunt to Las Vegas’ Smith Center (August 12-17). I think it’s worth the trip. Tour tickets: https://abeautifulnoisethemusical.com/tour/