The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise - review

[Jane Zussman]

I must admit I was a British Invasion and Motown gal, so didn’t previously know anything about Neil Diamond’s personal life, though I certainly did recognize his contributions to the soundtrack of my youth. So I was both informed and entertained by this jukebox musical that served as both a confessional and a reckoning on Neil Diamond’s life.

A Beautiful Noise ranges from intimate scenes to stadium-concert-glitz, talent and torment, all hung on the premise of psychotherapy sessions. A reluctant “Neil Now” balks at the therapy his third wife has nudged him into. In this older, frailer role, Robert Westenberg does little singing but a lot of excellent conflicted acting as his therapist (Lisa Reneé Pitts) skillfully coddles him into opening up about his life issues through the lens of his songwriting.

Of course, “Neil Then” (Nick Fradiani) soon emerges — along with a wonderful motley crew of singer/dancer/backup/bit players. Nick portrays The Neil Diamond we recognize, initially a reluctant singer but ultimately a consummate showman with that celebrated voice: “gravel wrapped in velvet.” Kate Mulligan is charming as the agent who “discovers/encourages” the young singer, and Tiffany Tatreau and Hannah Jewel Kohn deliver heartfelt performances as Neil’s wives, Jaye Posner and Marsha Murphey

I encourage all who attend to check out the “Letter from Neil” in the program, where he explains he was only able to tackle the idea of a Broadway musical about his life after his performing was cut short by symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. He applauds Bob Gaudio (writer of Jersey Boys) Ken Davenport and Anthony McCarten who teamed with Neil to create this show. He considers the show personally therapeutic in coming to terms with his life.

Of course, we all have to sing along to Sweet Caroline (and a few others) and may want to jump onstage with the spirited troupe to dance the night away. This show offers fun musical nostalgia along with a helpful therapy session.

The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise continues at Wharton Center’s Great Hall through September 21. Tickets at https://www.whartoncenter.com

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

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