“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” is currently captivating audiences at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. This theatrical production, rooted in collaboration with the legendary Neil Diamond himself, chronicles the inspiring journey of a young boy from Brooklyn who rises to become a global superstar.
Nick Fradiani, who originally portrayed Diamond on Broadway, now takes the lead in this musical as it tours across the nation. He appreciates the depth of the narrative, which delves into both the triumphs and the challenges of Diamond’s life. “There’s a really heavy, deep story involved in it, and so wonderfully played by Robert Westenberg, who plays Neil now, who’s currently going through some emotional, mental issues, and he’s speaking to a therapist. And that’s where the musical begins,” Fradiani shared.
Fradiani, a passionate guitarist, finds joy in performing the musical’s songs. “I was a guitar player before I was an actor, so I’ve been playing the guitar since I was a kid. So that’s the easiest part of the show for me to play the guitar,” he stated.
The support from Neil Diamond has been a significant morale booster for Fradiani. He recalled a moment when a cover of Diamond’s song “I Am, I Said” gained immense popularity online. “It had, like, millions of views. And Katie was playing it — his wife — and he walked in and said, ‘Is that me?’ And Katie’s, like, ‘No, that’s Nick. He’s the guy who’s playing you,’” Fradiani recounted.
The musical will be performed at the Pantages Theatre until July 27 and will then move to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County from July 29 through August 10. This production not only entertains but also serves as a reminder of the power of music and storytelling in addressing both personal struggles and the pursuit of dreams.