The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise – Paramount Theatre

The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise was a rousing good time. It’s songs by Neil Diamond, so high energy, sparkles, fun and an irresistible urge to sing along is to be expected.  But the narrative structure of exploring Neil Diamond’s life and rise to success through therapy really works here.

Jukebox musicals are tricky. They can be great, but even with known, loved songs, sometimes the show just doesn’t work. Often the performer can’t capture the it factor of the actual person. Songs can feel forced into an original story. Stories about musicians’ rise to fame can feel repetitive.  

I’m pleased this show did not suffer from those problems. Neil Diamond is a legendary songwriter. I had no idea he had written so many songs, many made famous by other performers. Red, Red, Wine? I’m a Believer? When the show uses a song Neil himself wrote to illustrate his feelings and struggles, it works and feels genuine. And while some of the beats about a performer’s life that you would see in other shows are here also, I appreciated the focus on mental health. The audience all sang along to Sweet Caroline, as expected. I really loved the performance of America, my favorite Neil Diamond song, with the whole ensemble involved to show the deep meaning and importance this song had to Neil. But for me, the most emotional song came at the end with I Am, I Said. This isn’t really one of my favorite Neil Diamond songs, but in the context of the show and really listening to the lyrics threw quite the emotional punch. Young Neil was performed by American Idol winner Nick Fradiani and he really captures Neil’s gravely voice.

I liked this show a lot, but I admit I think it could have benefited from a little more depth into Neil’s struggles. I don’t know much about Neil Diamond’s life so I can’t say how accurate the show is. I feel like the show both approached sensitive subjects while not quite diving super deep at the same time. But the show was altogether fun and and an insightful look into an icon, both the frog and the king.