Review: ‘A Beautiful Noise’ Delivers a Crowd-Pleasing Evening of Outstanding Music.
Another national tour launches here in Providence at the historic Performing Arts Center, and this one is a crowd pleaser. “The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise” takes its title from Diamond’s 1976 album and tells the tale of his life through therapy sessions.
The aged Neil is played by Robert Westenberg. As he explores the his songs via a second-hand book of his lyrics with his doctor (Lisa Renee Pitts) we learn in flashback how these songs came to be.
“American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani reprises his recent Broadway role as the younger Diamond. It’s easy to see why he helms the show: He balances the moods of the younger Diamond with an electric stage presence. The flashbacks reveal some incredibly flashy costumes and fantastic choreography, giving the audience a thrilling window to the past. In true jukebox musical fashion, Diamond’s hits highlight the production – but Fradiani absolutely nails the singer’s trademark vocal range.
