Empire State Review Contributor 
The celebrated jukebox musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical wrapped its Los Angeles engagement at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre on July 27, 2025, concluding a three‑week run that began on July 8.
During its L.A. residency, the production brought Neil Diamond’s life and legendary songbook to vivid life. Portraying Diamond as a young artist was American Idol winner Nick Fradiani, while Robert Westenberg embodied an older Neil Diamond undergoing therapy in a storyline built around emotional self‑discovery.
Critics praised the emotional depth and musical staging of the show. Reviewers highlighted the script’s therapy‑session framework, which introduces viewers to the personal struggles behind Diamond’s lyrics—revealing the man behind the music—from youth in Brooklyn to global stardom. The score—featuring hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” “Song Sung Blue,” and “I Am… I Said”—generated crowd sing‑alongs and earned praise for its rhythm, staging, and authenticity.
One standout moment occurred on July 12, during a matinee, when Neil Diamond himself surprised the audience with a spontaneous rendition of “Sweet Caroline” from the orchestra seats. Despite having retired from touring in 2018 due to Parkinson’s disease, the 84‑year‑old icon joined actor Nick Fradiani in a show‑stopping curtain‑call moment. He later met the cast backstage, creating an unforgettable interlude for fans and performers alike.
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Following its closing in Los Angeles, A Beautiful Noise is slated to continue its national tour, premiering next at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa from July 29 through August 10, and then making its way to Las Vegas in mid‑August.
Based on a book by Anthony McCarten and directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer, A Beautiful Noise offers a narrative that blends Diamond’s greatest hits with introspective therapy sessions that explore his emotional journey and songwriting genesis. Embedded in the storyline is the acknowledgment of the value he received from therapy throughout his life—introduced by Fradiani’s reflections on mental health and aging, a theme rarely seen in musical theatre.
Fradiani’s portrayal of young Neil was widely praised for capturing the humility, introspection, and melodic swagger integral to Diamond’s persona. Robert Westenberg played the “Now” Neil with subtle sincerity, and supporting performances—particularly by Tiffany Tatreau, Hannah Jewel Kohn, Lisa Renee Pitts, and Kate A. Mulligan—added emotional texture and vocal richness to the ensemble.
Scenic designer David Rockwell, music director James Olmstead, choreographer Steven Hoggett, and costume designer Emilio Sosa were among the Broadway‑award‑winning creative team responsible for creating a visually compelling and musically immersive experience.
The closing of the L.A. run marks a pivotal transition for the show. With Costa Mesa and Las Vegas next on the schedule, producers are eyeing further expansion. While specific future tour cities have not yet been announced, anticipation is high due to the musical’s strong reception and Diamond’s continued involvement.
As A Beautiful Noise continues across North America, it promises to carry Diamond’s emotional and musical legacy to new audiences, offering both nostalgia and deeper resonance for fans old and new.
