No matter what one’s opinion of Neil Diamond’s music might be, it’s hard to dispute his popularity and success. With over 130 million records sold worldwide, umpteen awards, a Kennedy Center Honors and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement, the singer-songwriter has had a monumental career
Yet if audiences care to learn more about what makes the hit maker tick, they’ll be hard pressed to find it in A Beautiful Noise, the new Broadway bio-musical that follows Diamond from his painfully shy Brooklyn childhood to his current-day battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Bookwriter Anthony McCarten uses the device of a therapy session between Neil-Now (Mark Jacoby) and his psychiatrist, referred to solely as “Doctor” (Linda Powell). After resistance to speak about his own life, she introduces a large book of his lyrics. “See what they tell us about you, given that you put so much of yourself into them. Analyze them a little,” she suggests.
The problem is that most of the analysis is sacrificed for sheen and shine. We’re left then with a jammed jukebox of instantly recognizable tunes instead of a well-rounded portrait of the artist. Clearly, a fix for nostalgia is enticing. After all, who among us can resist singing along to “Sweet Caroline”?
But devoted admirers are always piqued by a star’s personal life. Mr. Diamond’s -as depicted here- simply isn’t fertile enough to sustain the two-hour drama.
The song set-ups are hugely predictable for those familiar with Diamond’s catalogue. Relationship troubles lead to “Love On the Rocks” and “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.” Talk of his Polish and Russian immigrant ancestors flow into “America.”
A rare exception comes near the end as Jacoby delivers a pure and honest rendition of “I Am…I Said.” Given what we’ve just learned prior to the song, there is deep poignancy in Diamond’s 1971 lyrics that expose his own vulnerability and human frailty.
While A Beautiful Noise may not delve deep, it isn’t without merit. Director Michael Mayer has assembled a skillful and broadly diverse ensemble that reinvigorates Diamond’s music. Bob Gaudio, Sonny Palandino, and Brian Usifer are the trio behind the show’s fresh orchestrations which should appeal both to diehard fans and those less familiar with the original compositions. David Rockwell’s scaffolded set deservedly showcases Paladino’s top-tier band of musicians.
Will Swenson leads the cast as Diamond’s younger self. Within minutes, his charm, swagger, and impeccable voice has beguiled the audience. Jessie Fisher as Jaye Posner, Diamond’s first wife, offers some strong acting and vocal moments early in the show. Robyn Hurder is showstopping as Diamond’s second wife, Marcia Murphey in a fresh interpretation of “Forever in Blue Jeans.” Broadway vet Jacoby turns what could easily be a dull role into a finely nuanced performance and Powell brings sincerity and warmth to their therapy sessions.
A Beautiful Noise tried out in Boston earlier this year and was generally well received by audiences and critics. It will predictably have a healthy Broadway run, followed most likely by national tours. Although it’s a Cubic zirconia biography that could benefit from polish and clarity, it generally shines like a Diamond.
A Beautiful Noise is now playing on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street between Broadway and Eighth). For tickets and information, click here
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