“Over the years, you grow up, you mature and you see things in a different way, and it's reflected in the writing.” —Neil Diamond
Yesterday, Cecile and I and our good friends Nelson and Susan Bye attended a matinee performance of the new musical about Neil Diamond called "A Beautiful Noise,” at the Broadhurst Theater on Broadway. The performance was nothing short of awesome. The song and dance extravaganza featuring his legendary music tells the story of Diamond’s life and musical career featuring his hit song Sweet Caroline,” an irresistible anthem that triggered a singalong, America,” and “Cracklin’ Rosie.” From his early days in New York to sold-out spectacles that defined his illustrious career, A Beautiful Noise explores the life of a rock icon through the music that made him a national treasure.
Nick Fradiani and Mark Jacoby play the younger and older version of the rock star. We had 5th row, center seats. There is nothing like a shared human experience at a musical theater and an artist who despite his success was willing to share his shortcomings and the limits of having everything that money could buy. By the end of the show we were up on our feet, clapping, cheering and being gently struck with an explosion of orange paper streamers. After the performance, Nick Fradiani who played the younger Neil greeted us out front, had his photo take with us and signed the front cover of our PLAYBILL.
