"A Beautiful Noise" like the Broadway predecessor, "Beautiful" are both biopic, jukebox musicals based on the lives and music of contemporary singer/ songwriters. These musicals which are the soundtracks to our lives, give us what we most want from musicals; great songs and choreography, top talent, superb story-telling and a feel good show that leaves you feeling happy and humming its tunes. "Beautiful" was the musical about Carole King which ends its run this fall. "A Beautiful Noise" is a new show about Neil Diamond who is far more prolific and profitable than previously regarded by this cynic critic (130 million records worldwide). Truth be told, "A Beautiful Noise" titled for Diamond's 1976 album* of the same name, was not my first or second pick for my brief but remarkable return to my beloved city. Sophisticated palette be damned, I laud the clever staging, choreography and applaud the entire cast especially Will Swenson who rotates the lead role of Neil and share my frustration at his Tony snub. Swenson is a doppelgänger for the Neil Diamond in looks and sound performing at major, sold out venues with his "gravely, rich sounding voice." Diamond never intended to be a performer. His goal was to make a living writing songs for others to release. The show is bookended by Diamond today at age 82, a curmudgeon who begrudgingly meets with a psychiatrist at his wife and daughter's urgings. The two are intermittently on stage conversing in their private sessions. The Dr. refers to a hefty songbook on her lap of Diamond's lyrics to draw out his thoughts. This seemingly forced (and farfetched) gimmick actually works. Diamond's life story is mirrored on stage from his songwriting. The final scene has a grateful and reinvigorated Diamond thanking the good Doc and taking stock of his accomplishments and blessings. This framework works beautifully within this jewel of a jukebox musical and everything in between is so good, so good! Anthony McCarten, a four-time Academy Award nominated screenwriter wrote the book. Steven Hoggett did the choreographer. Previous credits on Broadway include "Sweeney Todd and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child both running on Broadway. And scenic design is by David Rockwell, Tony winner for "Into the Woods, Take Me Out" and "Kiss Me Kate." This cynic is recommending you put this musical on the top of your to go see in NYC. I find fault with anything except I can't get some of these songs out of my head.
* In 1976, Neil Diamond was at a low point in his life and career when he wrote "Sweet Caroline" which as he put it, "changed my life and that of my children and their children forever."
Fun Fact:
Diamond's first success at songwriting came with the songs made popular by the Monkees; "I'm a Believer."
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