If you love Neil Diamond, you’ll love this show. Just try not to sing along

Opera Australia's production of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is entering its second week of rehearsals at the Southbank rehearsal studios, with the cast and crew preparing for the first preview in approximately three weeks. The show, which features a blend of Diamond’s iconic songs and a narrative exploring his life and career, is currently in the midst of intense preparation. Dancers clad in exercise gear are practicing under the direction of associate choreographer Yasmine Lee, while associate director Austin Regan provides feedback to the cast as they rehearse key scenes. The atmosphere is charged with energy, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the upcoming debut. The musical begins with an elderly portrayal of Neil Diamond, played by Terence Crawford, engaging in a conversation with a psychologist about his declining health. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, Diamond has largely retired from touring, yet his legacy continues through the music he created. The scene transitions into a powerful rendition of his 1967 hit Shilo, marking the start of the show’s emotional journey. This moment encapsulates the core theme of the production, how music serves as both a personal escape and a lasting artistic contribution. A Beautiful Noise owes much of its inspiration to Jersey Boys, the acclaimed musical about the Four Seasons. According to musical supervisor Sonny Paladino, Neil Diamond was a devoted fan of Jersey Boys, having attended multiple performances in New York. During one such showing, Diamond reportedly asked Bob Gaudio, a former member of the Four Seasons and later a record producer, whether he could have one of those shows. Gaudio’s response was affirmative, setting the stage for the creation of A Beautiful Noise. The musical, which premiered in Boston in 2022 and has since toured extensively across the United States, aims to capture the essence of Diamond’s life and career through a carefully curated selection of his most beloved works. Selecting the right songs from Diamond’s extensive discography proved challenging. With 38 top 40 singles and 33 studio albums, the team faced the daunting task of narrowing down the material. Music supervisor Sonny Paladino emphasized that the musical succeeds because of its focus and purpose. Every song included must serve the narrative and resonate with the audience. One notable omission is Heartlight, a track that was considered for inclusion but ultimately excluded due to its lack of narrative fit. Despite this, the final version of the show includes 25 tracks, featuring several medleys that highlight Diamond’s versatility and influence. Audience engagement is a central aspect of the production. Fans attending the show often wear tour T-shirts, indicating their enthusiasm for experiencing a live performance that brings Diamond’s music to life. For Will Swenson, who portrays young Neil Diamond and is the sole international cast member in the Australian production, the experience has been both exhilarating and humbling. Swenson described the initial moments of his performance as overwhelming, noting how the audience immediately responded with overwhelming support. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging that the admiration belongs to Diamond rather than to him personally. Swenson’s connection to Neil Diamond runs deep, rooted in family tradition. He recalled that his father held Neil Diamond in high regard, and he grew up familiar with the songs long before he began performing them professionally. This personal history adds a layer of authenticity to his portrayal, allowing him to connect with the audience on a deeper level. However, the challenge of performing in front of the actual artist, Neil Diamond, presented a unique pressure. Swenson recounted a recent session in Nashville where he performed for Diamond in a small room, describing the experience as surreal and nerve-wracking. Despite the anxiety, the encounter was ultimately rewarding, reinforcing the significance of the role he holds.