“A Beautiful Noise” began with instantly recognizable strains of Neil Diamond’s “America”. The sound was absolutely amazing, and it was a very, very short overture that ended quickly and set the stage for an evening that would be filled with wonderful music. The primary set was minimal, with lights and triangular panels that appeared to move to modify the configuration of the stage. Accents included two very large leather chairs that the lead characters, Neil Diamond and his therapist, used for the entire show to create the doctor’s office. Additional furniture included a couch and chairs that “The Beautiful Noise”, a chorus of talented dancers and singers, magically appeared from. The end of the first act and most of second act set was a concert hall complete with the band on a platform above the stage. The lighting and sets worked well transitioning the audience from concert to the therapist office to the recording booth, the Diamond home and back to the concert stage.
(Center left) Tiffany Tatreau as ‘Jaye Posner,’ Nick Fradiani as ‘Neil – Then’ and Kate A. Mulligan as ‘Ellie Greenwich’ in A Beautiful Noise The Neil Diamond Musical – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
Reviewing the information provided in the Pantages Theatre playbill it is clear that this show is Neil Diamond’s life journey told through music and his psychoanalysis sessions. Neil – Now (a mature, older man), played by Robert Westenberg and the Doctor, played by Lisa Reneé Pitts are engaging but their dialogue didn’t enable me to understand or truly resolve the discontent that seemed to be pervasive in Mr. Diamond’s story. It is unfortunate that, especially during the first act, the show becomes overwhelmingly sad. However, the act ends with a musical number led by Neil -Then (a young man in his prime) played by Nick Fradiani. The music is the savior and the talented artists that comprise “The Beautiful Noise” and the phenomenal band are magnificent!
Tuck Milligan as ‘Tommy O’Rourke,’ Michael Accardo as ‘Bert Berns’ and Nick Fradiani as ‘Neil Then’ in A Beautiful Noise The Neil Diamond Musical – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
The second act opens, and it is as if we are amid a Neil Diamond concert. Mr. Fradiani does a remarkable job bringing Mr. Diamond to life. He captures the nuance and unique vocal quality of Neil Diamond and “The Beautiful Noise” is the icing on the cake. These are truly remarkable artists who sing AND dance. The voices blend beautifully, and the arrangements complete the overall sound. The vocal and instrumental arrangements along with the incredible musicians pay homage to the original recordings but somehow inject a current, today flavor and energy to every song. The music drives the remainder of the show, and all the hits are there, much to the audience’s appreciation.
”The Beautiful Noise”, a group of artists who sing and dance and do all incidental characters throughout the show, keep the show moving. They are a diverse group that are different sizes, shapes, and races. They seem to just appear on stage out of nowhere singing beautiful harmonies and executing intricate staging with gestures and movements that complement the lyrics being sung. They totally commit to both the movement and the music and there are times when it is as if they are miming the meaningful lyrics they are singing. I initially thought they were primarily singers who move well but that quickly changed as their movements became more postmodern and jazz fusion including turns, jumps, large kicks, and combinations that all captured “feel good” moments in Neil Diamond’s life. The production number that was primarily dance gave this diverse group the opportunity to show off their dance technique without the weight of singing back up. These artists are so much more than backup singers and their contribution to the evening is huge.
(From left) Nick Fradiani as ‘Neil – Then,’ Robert Westenberg as ‘Neil – Now’ and Lisa Reneé Pitts as ‘Doctor’ in A Beautiful Noise The Neil Diamond Musical – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
Kate Mulligan, the Ellie Greenwich character, had just the right amount of Brooklyn swagger. The first divorce scene was poignant and heartfelt. “Sweet Caroline” and “Hello Again” never sounded better. “Shiloh” sung by Spencer Donovan Jones with just a guitar was incredibly moving. The notes he sang were so pure and clear. You can feel the pain in the plaintive rendition of “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” sung by Hannah Jewel Kohn. She manages to wrap her sadness and disappointment around every note. Nick Fradiani, who plays Neil Diamond-Then definitely captures the “gravel wrapped in velvet” sound that personifies most Neil Diamond recordings. He’s a former American Idol Winner (2015) and he does not disappoint. He has the swagger of a rock star and commands the stage when he is front and center. Throughout the show there is a self-questioning quality that lives below the surface of each scene he is in. He and Robert Westenberg, Neil Diamond-Now, along with Lisa Reneé Pitts, definitely create the feeling that the Neil Diamond catalogue is a beautiful noise swirling and whirling endlessly in his head. The introduction of Diamond’s parents and the combination of “Brooklyn Roads” and the Neil Diamond signature song, “America” is interesting and gets the audience singing, swaying, and rocking. The show comes to a climax when both Neils sing “I am…I Said” together.
Nick Fradiani as ‘Neil – Then’ (center) with Tasheim Ramsey Pack (left) and Cooper Clack and Jeilani Rhone-Collins (right) in A Beautiful Noise The Neil Diamond Musical – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
This was a very special evening as Mr. Diamond’s current wife joined the cast for bows and she brought the man himself, Neil Diamond on stage via Facetime. It was very touching as he spoke to the audience expressing his gratitude and appreciation. The evening ended with him singing along with the entire cast.
“The Neil Diamond Musical, A Beautiful Noise” is at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre until July 27 then it moves to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa from July 29 – August 10. It is an entertaining evening that, especially if you are a Neil Diamond fan, you do not want to miss.
The Scenic Design for “The Neil Diamond Musical, A Beautiful Noise” was by David Rockwell; Music Director: James Olmstead; Costume Designer: Emilio Sosa; Lighting Designer: Kevin Adams; Tour Director: Austin Regan; and Tour Choreographer: Jasmine Lee.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Pantages Theatre website.
To learn more about the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, please visit their website.
Written by Leah Bass-Baylis for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Nick Fradiani as ‘Neil – Then’ (center) with ‘The Noise’ and the Band in “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
