Melbourne welcomes A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical with a jukebox tribute that hits every note it aims for.
Neil Diamond retired from touring in 2018 following his Parkinson’s diagnosis, so this quote from A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical’s programme hits deep:
“My heart and soul would tour the world until the day I die if only my body would cooperate.”
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
- Previews from 5 August 2026
- Season now extended through to 25 October 2026
- Princess Theatre, Melbourne
- Tickets here
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A Beautiful Noise is a jukebox musical structured around Diamond’s twilight-years psychotherapy, during which Doctor (played with a whole lotta heart by Monica Sayers) encourages ‘Neil Diamond – Now’ (Terence Crawford – brilliant) to analyse his autobiographical lyrics during their sessions.
As specific songs are unpacked, ‘Neil Diamond – Then’ (played by the devilishly handsome Will Swenson) recreates the relationships and real-life events that inspired his hit-laden back catalogue. The first time this occurs, ensemble members emerge from behind Crawford’s seated silhouette – one by one, like magic – embodying his titular song, A Beautiful Noise.
Crawford puts on a masterclass. His role doesn’t require much singing, but when he eventually unleashes with I Am…I Said, about which we gain much insight as the musical unfolds, it’s lump-in-the-throat material.
Swenson, who originated his role on Broadway, replicates Diamond’s timbre and inflection to perfection. During a scene set in The Bitter End, the famous Greenwich Village coffeehouse in which Diamond cut his teeth, he discovers a temporary cure for the “clouds” (his term for depression) while performing Solitary Man.
As Diamond’s second wife Marcia Murphey, Ashleigh Rubenach shines. Play Me, performed alongside Swenson, is a standout tender moment documenting the strain that touring put on their marriage. Another of their duets, the swoon-worthy You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, charts the couple’s breakup.
Ellie Greenwich delivers a standout performance as Brill Building songwriter-producer Hannah Fredericksen – one of Diamond’s early champions.
The ensemble takes on various roles – songwriting collaborators, coffeehouse punters, fans, backup singer/dancers – throughout and their individuality is celebrated. Stephen Hoggett’s choreography often leans into pedestrian gestures, but the dancers also get to show off some impressive tricks.
Amongst the dancers, Paul Leandre Escorrido pulls focus thanks to his rizz, musicality and precise shapes. Later, Etuate Lutui’s velvet-smooth timbre captivates during his Beautiful Noise and Shilo solos.
Effective set design by David Rockwell accentuates, but never distracts. A bank of assorted, period-specific lampshades are flown in and out as part of Kevin Adams’ impressive lighting design, which effortlessly switches from interior mode to glitzy concert lighting. America arrives late in the show to touch on Diamond’s ancestral immigrant roots and Jewish diaspora. Illuminated in cool tones, the ensemble appears in ghost-like hues as if lifted directly from the pages of a historical book.
Emilio Sosa’s costumes reflect Diamond’s stardom trajectory, from civvies to the glittery, sequinned stage ensembles of his heyday.
Expertly led by music director/keyboardist Nigel Ubrihien, the killer band forms part of Act II’s opening backdrop, which spotlights Diamond in full flight.
The energy levels of an actual concert are replicated impressively here.
We score Sweet Caroline twice, since Diamond’s signature song is reprised during the curtain call as the audience – upstanding now – belts along, “reachin’ out” their arms on cue.
During her post-show speech, Diamond’s wife Katie McNeil Diamond praised the Australian cast: “you guys are terrific!” Having spoken to Diamond earlier in the day, she added, “He’s always had such a special relationship with the city and so he was really excited to hear that the show was opening here, for Australia.”
Sidenote: Melbourne is the first city outside of the US to host this musical.
Hearing hit after hit roll out during A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical certainly cements Diamond’s legacy and we catch ourselves humming these catchy tunes for days afterwards.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical plays at Princess Theatre, Melbourne until 9 November.
