Mike Woody reviews A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical - now through this weekend at The Schuster in downtown Dayton
A Joyful Journey Through Diamond's Hits - at the Schuster thru this weekend
Other than the fame and fortune, Neil Diamond’s life is rather ordinary to be the basis of a theatrical production. Multiple marriages are commonplace in all walks of life (unfortunately), and that’s about as scandalous as Diamond’s life gets. The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise is all about the music, and its full catalog of hit songs, makes it very much worth seeing.
There is a plot, but in dietary terms it’s the lite version. All the action revolves around the music, as buried within the lyrics of Diamond’s greatest hits are glimpses of his soul. Rather than writing an autobiography, Diamond wrote songs to reveal himself. Lyrics such as, ‘What’s the use in trying? All you get is pain. When I wanted sunshine I got rain,’ now take on a deeper meaning. (I never knew “I’m a Believer” was written by Diamond). For a show heavy in music, there’s nobody better to do all the lifting than Nick Fradiani. His voice is stronger than a Kentucky Woman (I hear they are tough). The 2015 winner of American Idol, Fradiani perfectly duplicates the magical sound of Diamond’s voice. He’s as close as you are ever going to get to hearing the real Diamond himself. Fradiani should maybe change his name to Ruby or Sapphire, because he’s a valuable gem himself.
Fradiani portrays Diamond through the sixties to the nineties, covering his career in the music industry from performing in front of a dozen at a coffee shop to thousands in sold out arenas across the world. From plain all black outfits to sparkly rhinestone jumpsuits. Fradiani not only masters Diamond’s voice, but also his subdued demeanor.
The older Diamond is played by Robert Westenberg, who throughout the show is meeting with a therapist. The reflections upon his past, are portrayed by Fradiani. It’s probably the biggest role in any musical without any singing. I was wondering if Fradiani would ever break out in song. Let me just say, it’s worth the wait.
Most of the secondary characters are not fleshed out very much. We see Diamond’s first wife, Jaye (Tiffani Tatreau) but nothing about her personality. From the instant Hannah Jewel Kohn appears on stage as Marcia, it’s obvious she’s going to become a love interest due to her strong appeal. Kohn’s magnetism is too strong to be anything less than wife # 2. We are treated to some glimpses into their marriage and to Kohn rocking some blue jeans, but that is all. With Diamond constantly on tour, Marcia was always left wishing for more time with him…much like audiences (or at least me) would have liked more of Kohn.
I stand corrected, rather than Westenberg, it’s Lisa Renee Pitts, who holds the distinction of spending the most time on stage during a musical without singing. She is very believable in the role of the therapist. Kate A. Mulligan also makes a positive impression as Ellie, who gives Diamond his start. Her appearance is memorable but brief.
The entire ensemble provides splendid voices and dance moves, plus the uncanny ability to multiply in numbers while magically appearing from out behind pieces of furniture.
Some musical highlights include a moving rendition of ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’ between Fradiani and Kohn, a powerful ‘I Am…I Said,’ I half expected Steve Tatone to appear for ‘America’ (some of you will get the reference), and of course ‘Sweet Caroline,’ which is impossible not to sing along with.
I’m not a man who like to swear, but ‘The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise’ is a darned good show.
