Melbourne’s stages have seen a slew of jukebox musicals tread the boards over the past few years. They’ve ranged from the powerful (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical) to the cheesy-yet-crowd-pleasing (Mamma Mia! The Musical) and the glossed-over tributes (MJ the Musical).
Thankfully, at a time when it feels more important than ever to encourage people to get out and support the local arts industry, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical arrives at the Princess Theatre full of razzle-dazzle, an abundance of infectious energy and a stacked setlist guaranteed to appeal to the masses.
What is A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical about?
Written by Anthony McCarten, directed by Michael Mayer and created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise opens on a dour therapy session between an older Diamond (played with commanding gravitas by Terence Crawford) and his doctor (Monica Sayers). It’s an unflinchingly sharp first introduction to the musical legend – all the more surprising given the heavy involvement of Diamond and his wife Katie – who is being particularly stubborn about revealing anything about the “clouds” that darken his demeanour.
Enter the doc whipping out a book of all his lyrics, and suddenly, in true musical theatre fashion, the songs are quite literally spilling onto the stage in the form of the ensemble singing a teasing medley of hits to come.
From there we’re transported back in time as a young Diamond (Will Swenson) gets his big break, signs with a dodgy mob-owned record label, falls in and out of love and marriage, and eventually transforms into the hugely successful, award-winning, globally touring artist who would go on to sell 130 million records worldwide.
And while that makes for plenty to sing and dance about, with Diamond’s vast catalogue of hits ripe for a theatrical glow-up, the story remains very much grounded in the relationship between artist and therapist. At some points, the pair sit back in armchairs watching the action unfold or insert themselves as ghostly bystanders; at others, the focus is entirely on their back-and-forth discussions.
This format drags slightly in the second act, but the older Diamond’s eventual emotional reckoning (Crawford’s stirring rendition of ‘I Am… I Said’ is exceptional) is a worthy payoff that steers the production back into triumphant territory.
Who are the stars of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical?
Much like Groundhog Day, which brought Andy Karl to town for its exclusive Australian premiere, A Beautiful Noise also benefits from actor-singer Swenson returning to the role of a young Diamond after originating the part on Broadway. Swenson channels the musical spirit of Diamond with an uncanny prowess (without it ever feeling like a cheap parody), perfectly capturing his transformation from nervous no-name to a soulful, preacher-like performer who craves the high of being live on stage. And yes, he nails Diamond’s rich, gravelly baritone, which is on full glorious display during his stripped-back rendition of ‘Solitary Man’ in act one.
Supporting him in a truly star-making turn is Ashleigh Rubenach (Groundhog Day, Sunset Boulevard), who is electric as his second wife, Marcia Murphey. Their chemistry is most evident during the tender duet ‘Play Me’ – have the tissues handy here.
Hannah Fredericksen is a comedic delight as music producer Ellie Greenwich, Alana Tranter earns sympathy as first wife Jaye Posner, and Etuate Lutui rightfully steals the spotlight during his solo performance of ‘Shilo’.
What’s the highlight of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical?
The beautiful thing about A Beautiful Noise is the reverence it pays to Diamond’s music. The songs really are the heart and soul of this production, and credit must be given to the nine-piece band, led by musical director Nigel Ubrihien, for bringing them to life. ‘Cracklin’ Rosie’ and ‘Cherry Cherry’ are excellent, while the masterful medley of ‘Soolaimón’ into ‘Thank the Lord for the Night Time’ and then ‘Crunchy Granola Suite’ feels like an epic mini concert, illuminated further by the flashy lighting choices of Kevin Adams. And there’s not a sequin out of place thanks to costume designer Emilio Sosa’s work, which also charts Diamond’s ascension from moody newcomer in all-black to an icon in satin and sparkles.
But it would be remiss not to mention the act one closer: ‘Sweet Caroline’. Arguably Diamond’s biggest and most enduring hit, there’s a simmering anticipation in the theatre as those first chords are played – and by the time that famous chorus comes around, it’s impossible not to sing along.
Who will like A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical?
For longtime Neil Diamond fans, seeing A Beautiful Noise is a no-brainer – this is a dazzling blockbuster of a show that honours the singer-songwriter’s career and legacy. But with stellar performances, slick production elements and that extensive setlist of hits, it seems inevitable that this particular jukebox musical will earn plenty of new fans in Melbourne, too.
'A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical' is on now at the Princess Theatre until November 7, 2026. For more information and to book tickets, head to the website.
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